Strawberry production has long been associated with intensive labor, substantial costs, and recurring soil preparation processes. Traditionally, growers invest both time and resources into tasks such as soil tilling, ridge formation using tractors, and applying black mulch to the ridges. These practices, repeated every 1-2 years, impose a considerable financial burden on strawberry producers.
However, there's a more efficient and sustainable alternative that is gaining prominence in the world of agriculture: soilless strawberry cultivation. By eliminating the need for conventional agricultural machinery and the associated costs and labor, this method represents a groundbreaking shift in strawberry production.
One of the most significant advantages of soilless strawberry cultivation is its ability to thrive in conditions that are typically inhospitable for traditional strawberry farming. This method allows growers to utilize infertile, barren, and high-salinity soils, expanding the potential land for strawberry cultivation while reducing the pressure on arable land resources.
In conventional strawberry farming, approximately 6,500-7,000 seedlings are planted per 1 decare, depending on factors such as ridge width and walking path spacing. However, the transition to Soilless Culture revolutionizes these numbers. In a 1,000m2 area, a staggering 25,000 seedlings can be cultivated. This leap in planting density translates to significantly higher strawberry yields compared to traditional soil-based cultivation.
Furthermore, soilless strawberry production offers distinct advantages in terms of pest and weed management. The need for pesticides and the labor costs associated with weed control are drastically reduced in soilless systems. This not only enhances strawberry yield but also ensures a cleaner, chemical-free growing process, promoting healthier produce.
The labor-intensive aspects of conventional strawberry cultivation, including pruning and harvesting, become more streamlined and cost-effective in Soilless Culture. Growers can enjoy the benefits of reduced labor inputs and increased overall efficiency.
To facilitate soilless strawberry cultivation, innovative support structures are implemented within the greenhouse. These supports, designed in the shape of plus signs, are buried 20cm below the ground and extend 80cm above the surface, forming two arms. Rows are established within the greenhouse with a 1.5-meter gap between them and a 1.5