Evaluation of physical and chemical variables of organic substrates in a hydroponic system for strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch)

Abstract

This project is presented as an innovative and clean alternative that optimizes the use of small areas for strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch) production in the department of Nariño. This research was conducted at the Centro Internacional de Producción Limpia Lope -SENA- Regional Nariño, with the aim of evaluating physical and chemical variables of organic substrates such as coconut fiber, rice husk, and their mixtures for strawberry (Fragaria ananassa Duch) variety Albión production in a hydroponic system. Six treatments and four repetitions were performed; the treatments were 100% rice husk, 70% rice husk and 30% coconut fiber mixture, 50% of each of the substrates used, a mixture of 70% coconut fiber and 30% rice husk, 100% coconut fiber, and a control in soil with plastic cover. A comparative analysis was made between the average values obtained in the initial stage and the final stage of the experiment, evaluating physical and chemical properties such as bulk density, real density, gravimetric moisture, granulometry, pH, and electrical conductivity. The experiment showed that taking initial and final measurements of the substrates allows adequate monitoring for optimal crop development since a substrate with a high percentage of particles in the sieve <0.25, electrical conductivities greater than 2000 µS.cm-1, and an increase in bulk density can produce salinization and compaction, negatively impacting the crop.