Features of growing garden strawberries in open ground conditions

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of strawberry cultivation in the use of PH regulators, synthetic and organic fertilisers, mulching practices, and the use of fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. The pH of the soil was regulated by applying aluminium sulphate and limestone in the amount of 200 and 900 g per three square metres, respectively. Synthetic preparations with different macro- and microelements, as well as organic compost, were used to test the effect of fertilisers. The growth characteristics of the growing season, including flowering and fruiting indicators, were evaluated. The results showed that a decrease in soil pH has a positive effect on the efficiency of growing the plants under study. The use of fertilisers with a high potassium content increased the growth rate of the growing season, and preparations rich in phosphorus had a positive effect on the characteristics of the flowering period. The use of compost provided an increase in the productivity of strawberries, comparable to the use of synthetic fertilisers. Mulching has been shown to reduce the risk of fungal infections in plants and to increase growth indicators. The use of the herbicide was significantly effective in suppressing the growth of pest plants and improving the growth characteristics of strawberries. It was shown that the use of organic farming methods and reduced concentrations of herbicides and insecticides allows achieving high efficiency of strawberry cultivation