Evaluation of yield, biochemical characteristics and nutrient composition of ‘Camarosa’ strawberry in response to different K/N ratios

BACKGROUND: The normal growth and yield of strawberry plant are affected by lack of balanced fertilization. OBJECTIVE: This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different N/K ratios of nutrient solution on yield, some biochemical characteristics, macro-, and micronutrient concentrations, absorption, and translocation factor in strawberry ‘Camarosa’. METHODS: Three concentration levels of K (200, 250, and 300 mg l–1, using KNO3, KCl, and K2SO4) and two concentration levels of N (120 and 180 mg l–1, using NH4H2PO4, Ca(NO3)2, and KNO3) were applied during two vegetative and reproductive growth stages. RESULTS: The results showed that the highest productivity (149.05 g/plant), soluble sugars, and starch content were obtained from plants which had received a K/N ratio of 200/180 and 300/120 mg l–1 during the vegetative and reproductive stages, respectively. Plants treated with the highest K and N concentrations (300 and 180 mg l–1, respectively) during the vegetative and reproductive stages had the highest leaf area, photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), as well as shoot and root dry weight. High N and low K concentration in the nutrient solution increased concentrations of N, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn while decreased K and Fe concentrations. In addition, higher N levels increased the uptake of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Zn. At a K/N ratio of 200/120 mg l–1, the translocation factor of N decreased, while the translocation factor of K and Mg increased. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, the changes in the K/N ratio significantly affected the concentration of nutrient elements, absorption and translocation factor.