Influence of organic and mineral fertilizers and a foliar biostimulant on the yield and nutritional quality of strawberries (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) under field conditions

The type of fertilization can affect the growth, yield, and nutritional quality of food products. The present study was carried out to determine the influence of organomineral fertilization and a biostimulant alone or in combination on the growth, yield and mineral composition of strawberry ( Fragaria × ananassa Duch.). The experiment was conducted via a completely randomized block design arranged in a drawer with two factors, variety and fertilization. For this study, two cultivars, cvs. Charlotte and Camarosa were used. Nine treatments (including the control) resulting from the use of coffee pulp, poultry manure fertilizers, Bioval biostimulant, or chemical NPK fertilizer alone or in combination were used. The strawberry growth and yield parameters were collected. Fruits were analyzed to determine their protein, P, K, Na, Ca, and Mg contents; pH; and ash concentrations. The results demonstrated that fruit growth, yield, and mineral composition were influenced by fertilizer and variety. No differences in growth parameters were detected among the varieties. However, these factors influence fruit quality. Among the treatments, the combination of coffee pulp, chemical fertilizer, and Bioval (T8) yielded the most favorable results for all growth and yield variables. Compared with the Charlotte variety, the Camarosa variety presented higher levels of P, K, Ca, Mg, and Na. A positive correlation was observed between the levels of the nutrients K–Na, K–P, and P–Na and between pH and Mg. In contrast, significant antagonistic effects were obtained between the contents of Ca–Na, Ca–K, and Ca–P. This research has enabled the valorization of coffee pulp, which is currently underutilized for crop fertilization. • Agricultural coffee waste, coffee pulp can be used as a substitute for commonly used poultry manure. • The combined application of organic matter (coffee pulp), chemical fertilizer, and the biostimulant (Bioval) resulted in the highest cumulative yield. • The different fertilizers improved the mineral quality of the fruits compared to the control. • Positive correlations were found for K–Na, K–P, and P–Na, while antagonistic effects were noted for Ca–Na, Ca–K, and Ca–P.