Effects of biochar on growth and fruit production of strawberries (Fragaria xananassa Duch.) in subtropical Taiwan

• Main Authors: Yi-Chin Lin, 林意親
• Other Authors: Kuo-Tan Li
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2019
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/nr3853

碩士 === 國立臺灣大學 === 園藝暨景觀學系 === 107 === Biochar is porous co-product from pyrolysis of organic matters. It has been used in soil amendment to improve soil properties and microbial composition, thus increasing crop vigor and productivity. However, the effect of biochar on strawberry growth and production in Taiwan had not been evaluated. This research included two experiments of biochar effects in strawberries. In the first experiment, the effects of biochar amendment on growth, development, and fruit production in greenhouse grown strawberry production was evaluated. Runner plants of ‘Taoyuan No.1’ strawberry were planted in soilless medium without extra amendment or amended with 2.5% or 5.0% (v./v.) biochar made of water caltrop (Trapa natans L.) husk or wood. Biochar improved total leaf area, fresh and dry weight of plants but reduced fruit weight, total yield and the percentage of large fruit. Total soluble solids content of the fruit was not affected. The result indictated that when the substrate was regularly fertigated, biochar amendments improved early vegetative growth in greenhouse strawberry cultivation but had no benefits on fruit production. In the second experiment, effects of incorporating water caltrop husk biochar and molasses in pre-planting soil solarization on growth and fruit production of ‘Aroma’ and ‘Tien-Lai No.1’ strawberry were investigated. Compared to separated treatment of biochar or molasses, the combination of both materials resulted in higher total leaf area, SPAD value, early fruit production, fruit weight, and the percentage of large fruits. Total soluble solids content of the fruit was not affected. Results showed that the combination biochar with molasses in pre-planting soil solarization is a promising approach for organic strawberry production. Overall, biochar amendment combining other materials, such as liquid fertilizers or easily degradable carbon sources, has potentials in improving strawberry growth in Taiwan. However, fertilizer management has to be evaluated based on the cultivation system.