Effects of Irrigation Levels and Mulch Applications on Pomological Properties of Strawberry

Abstract

In this study, the effects of two different irrigation regimes (IR100 and IR50) and three different mulch materials (grey, black, transparent and control) on the soil moisture and some pomological characteristics on strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa cv. Fortuna) were examined under Spanish type high tunnels which Turkey is the fourth producer in the world. As a result of the study, soil moisture content under the grey mulch (34.3%) in IR100 (397 mm) applications was highest during the vegetation period and it was followed by black (33.4%), transparent (27.3%) and control (23.9%) applications respectively. The control application is very close to the wilting point in IR50 (288 mm) irrigation regime and the water content increases with mulching via the highest moisture content is in grey (26.3%), black (24.9%) and transparent (23.8%). In addition to the increase in the yield of strawberries with increasing amount of irrigation water, the average fruit weight increased significantly. As well as positive effects such as weed control, soil moisture preservation, of mulching also the fruit size were significantly increased. It was determined that the best fruit sizes were obtained from plants using gray mulch, followed by black mulch which was widely used commercially. The lowest value was obtained from control parcels. The amount of water-soluble dry matter (WSDM) increased significantly with decreasing irrigation water. The mulch types used had no significant effect on WSMD, and the value varied between 7.9 and 8.2%. Even if the effect of irrigation levels on the fruit hardness is insignificant, it is determined that the increasing irrigation water has a positive effect on the hardness of the fruit. Consequently, the most effective agricultural application in different mulch and irrigation water applications is Gary IR100. However, it is important to evaluate this judgment economically in order to be offered to the producer.