Strawberry cultivation, particularly in substrates, presents growers with challenges that demand precision and efficiency. Mivena has developed a solution to these challenges through topdressing - an approach to applying slow-release fertilizers. This method is said to both boost crop health and enhance environmental sustainability by reducing nutrient leaching and promoting more efficient use of resources.
The challenges of strawberry tray plants
Strawberry tray plants, often grown in substrates, have a unique nutrient curve that contrasts with many other crops. According to Mivena's technical expert Stefan Hoefnagel, the challenge lies in the nutrient demand of the plant during different growth stages. Initially, the plants need minimal feeding to encourage root development and flower bud initiation. However, as the season progresses, they require a nutrient boost to support fruit development.
"During the early stages, we give low levels of nitrogen, around 5 N-units per week, but from September onward, this can increase to 25 to 40 N-units per week," explains Stefan. Traditional water-soluble fertilizers, commonly used by growers, often result in wastage and inefficient application. Up to 50% of these nutrients miss their target and run off during irrigation, causing both financial losses for growers and environmental harm due to nutrient leaching. In some cases, plants also suffer from over-watering when growers need to supply additional nutrition, even though their substrates are already wet.
What is Topdressing and how does it work?
To address the challenges of traditional fertilizers, Mivena has introduced topdressing as a solution in strawberry cultivation. Topdressing involves applying slow-release coated fertilizers directly onto the surface of strawberry trays. These fertilizers gradually release nutrients, perfectly timed with the plant's needs, ensuring minimal wastage and maximum efficiency.
By using topdressing, growers can gain better control over nutrient supply, eliminating the need for over-irrigation and reducing nutrient losses through leaching. Stefan explains, "With topdressing, fewer nutrients end up outside the trays, and we minimize the risk of nutrient runoff caused by excessive irrigation. This leads to more efficient fertilization and a lower environmental footprint."
Proven results of topdressing: boosting yields and sustainability
The effectiveness of topdressing has been demonstrated through various independent trials. A study conducted at Proefcentrum Hoogstraten in Belgium, focusing on the June-bearing variety 'Sonsation', produced remarkable results. Strawberry plants that were topdressed with Mivena's Horti-Cote® Plus CRF after September exhibited stronger growth, with up to 300 grams more fruit per plant compared to those treated with traditional water-soluble fertilizers.
Similarly, another trial by Delphy on the everbearing variety 'Favori' showed significant improvements in plant health and yields when topdressing was used. The precise delivery of nutrients helped plants grow more robustly, without the complications of over-irrigation.
In addition to improving yields, Mivena's Horti-Cote Plus CRF fertilizers are coated with a biodegradable, sustainable coating known as Durable CRF. This coating ensures no harmful chemicals remain in the environment, aligning with upcoming European Union regulations that will ban non-biodegradable coated fertilizers by 2026. This is to ensure that growers are prepared for future regulatory changes while maintaining high productivity and crop health.
Flexibility and control with slow-release fertilizers
One of the key advantages of topdressing is the flexibility it offers in nutrient management. Since the fertilizer releases nutrients slowly over time, growers can adjust the amount of nutrition based on current conditions, such as temperature and rainfall. This eliminates the need for frequent nutrient applications and reduces reliance on water-soluble fertilizers.
Added to this, topdressing in September extends the feeding period for strawberry plants without the risk of overwatering or high EC levels in the substrate. This efficient approach simplifies crop management, lowers labor costs, and ensures plants receive nutrients when they need them most.
Environmental and economic benefits of topdressing
Beyond yield improvements, topdressing offers environmental benefits. By reducing nutrient leaching and decreasing the need for excessive irrigation, growers can lower their environmental impact. The biodegradable Durable CRF coating also ensures that no synthetic residues are left behind in the soil, contributing to a more sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
From an economic standpoint, topdressing may be more expensive per kilogram than traditional fertilizers, but the efficiency it offers makes up for the initial cost. Growers require less fertilizer overall and experience higher yields and healthier plants, leading to better returns on investment.
The future of strawberry farming with topdressing
As the agricultural industry faces increasing pressure to produce more food with fewer resources, solutions like topdressing will be key to sustainable farming. The proven success of Mivena's topdressing products allows growers to adopt more efficient, environmentally friendly, and productive farming practices.
Topdressing with slow-release fertilizers is a step toward more sustainable agriculture. The technique's benefits extend beyond strawberry cultivation to other crops, providing farmers worldwide with an opportunity to reduce their environmental impact while meeting growing food demands.
Topdressing represents a breakthrough in the way strawberry growers manage nutrient application. It overcomes the inefficiencies of traditional water-soluble fertilizers, offering a more precise, environmentally friendly, and effective solution. With proven results, including higher yields, reduced nutrient leaching, and a smaller environmental footprint, topdressing is set to become a standard practice for growers looking to optimize their farming processes.
