Evaluación del cultivo de fresa (Fragaria sp.) en un sistema semihidropónico con dos sustratos y aplicación de microorganismos benéficos

Abstract

Strawberry cultivation aims to reduce the use of chemicals through innovative techniques that minimize environmental impact, optimizing spaces to ensure high-quality fruit without toxic residues. The goal was to assess strawberry cultivation (Fragaria sp.) in a semi-hydroponic system with two substrates and the application of beneficial microorganisms for up to 90 days in the greenhouse at the Postgraduate campus of the Catholic University of Cuenca. The research was an experimental study with a completely randomized design involving eight treatments and three replications, totaling 24 experimental units with 16 plants each. The evaluation focused on substrates, beneficial microorganisms, and pellets. Dependent variables included plant height, number of leaves, stolons, flowers, brix degrees, yield, and substrate moisture. Statistical analysis was conducted using the software packages InfoStat and R-Studio. The results showed that T5, T6, T7, and T8 had the highest averages in height, number of leaves, stolons, flowers, and yield variables. In terms of brix degrees, T2 had the best average. Additionally, the application of beneficial microorganisms (BMOs) and humus pellets positively affected on these treatments. On the other hand, the peat and rice husk substrate showed the highest moisture retention. In conclusion, the substrate factor (peat and rice husk) was crucial in achieving the best results in the productive parameters. Applying BMOs and humus pellets did not significantly influence any evaluated variable but were crucial for the peat and rice husk substrates. Keywords: Humus pellets, beneficial microorganisms, Semi-hydroponics, Yield, Strawberry, Cultivation.