In a collaborative effort, researchers from the Institute of Sciences of Food Production and the University of Bari Aldo Moro in Italy have conducted a study showcasing the efficacy of wireless sensors over traditional timer-based systems for precision irrigation in soilless strawberry farming. The study highlights a significant reduction in the use of nutrient solutions by 38% and water by 26% through the adoption of sensor-based technology, without impacting the strawberries' quality attributes like total soluble solids, dry matter, firmness, juice pH, and titratable acidity.
Furthermore, the research indicates that the sensor-based irrigation method not only conserves water and nutrients but also boosts yield and marketable produce by 7% over the timer-based approach. This leads to a 46% enhancement in water use efficiency and a 74% rise in nutrient productivity. The results suggest that sensor-based fertigation management holds promise for enhancing the sustainability of open, free-drain, soilless strawberry production systems by optimizing resource consumption and improving crop output without degrading fruit quality.
Source: doi.org