Limited irrigation of field-grown strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa cv. 'Elsanta') in a temperature climate: Effects on yield and quality

Irrigation is essential in the production of field-grown 'Elsanta' strawberry, even in the Belgian temperate climate. Current irrigation guidelines in Mediterranean and arid environments for strawberry recommend a soil water potential close to -10kPa. the hypothesis of the current experiment is that in a temperate climate strawberries can be grown at a dryer water potential while maintaining maximal marketable yield but improving fruit quality. An irrigation experiment was set up where 'Elsanta' strawberry yield and quality was monitored in three experiments with varying locations, years and growing conditions. Irrigation regimes were set up using a soil water balance model, granular matrix (Watermark) sensors and water potential observations. Data of the three experimental trials were pooled in a linear mixed-effects model. The limited irrigation regime did not lead to a significant decline in evapotranspiration nor to a decrease in marketable yield. However, a dryer irrigation scheme led to an increased sugar content in the fruits, but also picking date had an important influence. Fruit firmness was not affected by the irrigation regime nor by the picking date.