Raised Bed Cultivation
Raised bed cultivation is a familiar method that can be implemented with a variety of row spacings and planting densities. While this method does involve additional costs compared to ground-level cultivation, the effort is worthwhile due to slightly earlier ripening, higher yields, better fruit quality, and fewer diseases.
Strawberry plants thrive best in well-loosened and consistently moist soil. The raised bed also protects the plants from waterlogging, as excess water drains easily. The raised bed is created in the field using a ridging machine and covered with black mulch film (white mulch film is used for time-sensitive crops or delayed plantings, as it does not heat up as much). Drip irrigation lines are then laid under the film to ensure a stable supply of water and nutrients.
When using raised bed cultivation, the beds can be planted in single or double rows. The planting distance should be approximately 25 cm, with 3-5 plants per linear meter recommended for single rows and 6-8 plants per linear meter for double rows.
In cooler temperatures, the plants in the tunnel can be protected with a fleece cover; sometimes a double cover, consisting of fleece and perforated foil, is used.
Advantages of raised bed cultivation:
- Slight advancement of 1-2 days
- Fruit quality
- Fewer herbicides on the plant
- Fewer weeds around the plant
Disadvantages of raised bed cultivation:
- Additional costs
- Planting must be done by hand
- Fertigation required (irrigation system for water and nutrients)
Substrate Cultivation
Substrate cultivation is a specialized form of growing in greenhouses or tunnels. One advantage of this method is the ability to choose the location as desired, thus reducing the risk of many leaf and root diseases. Planting in substrate allows for cultivation in the same location without causing soil depletion.
The seedlings are planted in substrate bags or pots within a growing system, or directly in substrate mounds. This method often utilizes very robust tray, waiting bed, or Frigo A+ plants, enabling maximum yields. All systems are irrigated and finished with drip irrigation.
Specialized advice on fertilization and cultivation practices is essential for successful substrate cultivation.
Substrate dam or channel
The first option for creating a substrate dam is to mechanically form a dam, onto which substrate bags are placed, and planting takes place directly in the bags.
The second option is to first place a waterproof membrane in the pre-formed channels. To allow for drainage, a drainage pipe is placed in the channel, over which a root barrier fabric is then laid. The channel is then filled with substrate, covered with black mulch film, and planted with the chosen varieties.
Advantages of substrate cultivation
- Improved harvesting performance
- Production at the same location – without soil exhaustion
- Comfortable working position with high picking efficiency
- High yields/m²
- Aerated plant environment
- Hygienic plant environment
- Targeted water and nutrient supply
Shelf Cultivation with Substrate
In tunnel cultivation, shelf systems are increasingly being chosen for plant cultivation. Cultivation at a comfortable working height significantly reduces labor costs and also ensures a clean planting environment. Aside from the very high initial investment, shelf cultivation offers numerous advantages. A growing system is compatible with most tunnel types and suitable for substrate bags or planting containers.
Scheduling
Scheduling is particularly attractive in strawberry cultivation when you want to harvest a consistent supply of high-quality strawberries of a single variety over an extended period.
This cultivation method uses robust strawberry plants grown in cold storage or waiting beds. Depending on the weather, it takes approximately 7-9 weeks from planting to harvest. Planting is done at intervals (e.g., every 14 days) to ensure a long harvest season. In Austria, this cultivation method is only recommended for protected growing conditions and ideally in combination with shading or cooling of the plants.
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