Saving water in strawberry bags - an update on HDC Project SF136

摘要

In this, the second of a series of articles following the progress of a new HDC funded strawberry irrigation trial, Dr Mark Else of EMR provides the latest developments. The main aim of this HDC-funded project (SF 136) is to improve water and fertiliser use efficiencies in strawberry production in substrates by irrigating to match demand with supply so that run-off is minimised or eliminated. Trials are being carried out at Andrew Chesson's farm (S.H. Chesson Partnership, Manor Farm, Oldbury, Ightham, Kent) and at Stephen McGuffie's farm (New Farm Produce Ltd, Elmhurst, Lichfield, Staffordshire). At each site, Elsanta was planted into coir bags in late April and early May and all plants have established well.