Strawberry Growth Medium Made with Biogas Residues: Feasibility and Economic Benefit Potential

In this study, we examined the impact of various physical and chemical properties of growth media on strawberry growth, yield, quality, and economic returns. Six treatments were established: T1 (biogas residue/peat/perlite/vinegar residue = 1:5:1:4), T2 (biogas residue/peat/perlite/vinegar residue = 2:3:1:5), T3 (biogas residue/peat/perlite/vinegar residue = 2:3:1:4), T4 (biogas residue/peat/perlite/vinegar residue = 2:4:1:3), T5 (biogas residue/peat/perlite/vinegar residue = 3:4:1:5), and CK (peat/perlite = 4:1). The results showed that compared with CK treatment, the total nitrogen level increased by 3.26- to 3.95-fold and the organic matter content increased by 14.13–25.70%. In particular, T3 (biogas residue/peat/perlite/vinegar residue = 2:3:1:4) exhibited significant growth advantages, with stem diameter, root volume, and fresh weight increasing by 18.89%, 36.41%, and 35.26%, respectively, compared to CK. The yield per plant saw a 14.54% increase, soluble solids rose by 29.34%, and the solid acid ratio was 1.68 times higher than that of CK. Furthermore, the net income was 2.37 times greater than that of CK. A comprehensive assessment revealed that the T3 treatment demonstrated superior performance in both growth parameters and economic returns, suggesting its suitability as an optimal formulation for further experimentation.