Sensor-Based Fertigation Management Enhances Resource Utilization and Crop Performance in Soilless Strawberry Cultivation

The use of wireless sensors for real-time sensing of substrate water status and electrical conductivity could be an effective tool for precision irrigation management in soilless cultivation. In this research, the effects of timer-based (TB) compared to smart sensor-based irrigation (SB) were investigated. The highest consumption of fertilizers and water were recorded in TB, with nutrient solution and total applied water savings of 38% and 26%, respectively, in SB. The highest yield was obtained in SB treatment, with a total and marketable yield decrease of 7% in TB, with no differences in terms of the total soluble solids content, dry matter, firmness, juice pH and titratable acidity of the strawberry fruits. The higher yield, combined with water and nutrient saving in SB, allowed water use efficiency (fresh weight of marketable fruits per liter of total water applied) to be increased by 46% and nutrient productivity (fresh weight of marketable product per gram of nutrient supplied via nutrient solution) by 74%. The study confirms that sensor-based, compared to empiric fertigation management, ameliorates the sustainability of open, free-drain, soilless cultivation of strawberry, leading to better resource use without compromising crop performance and fruit quality.