Optimization of irrigation, fertigation and mulching practices for drip-irrigated strawberry in an acidic alfisol under North-Western Himalayan conditions

Strawberry productivity in the North-Western Himalayan region is constrained by inefficient synchronization of water and nutrient supply and inadequate soil moisture conservation under acidic Alfisols, necessitating the development of resource-efficient management practices. A three-year field study was conducted to evaluate the effects of fertigation schedules, mulching, and irrigation regimes on growth, yield, fruit quality, water-use efficiency (WUE), and economics of strawberry ( Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) under open-field conditions. Treatments comprised three fertigation schedules, two mulching materials (straw and polyethylene), and two irrigation regimes (0.4 PE for two months followed by 0.6 PE and 0.8 PE). Significant differences were observed among treatments for growth, yield, quality, WUE, and economic returns. Polyethylene mulch advanced flowering and harvesting and increased fruit yield by 34.7%, WUE by 81.1%, net returns by 47.4%, and benefit ratio by 43.6% compared with straw mulch. Irrigation at 0.8 PE enhanced fruit yield by 43.2%, WUE by 41.3%, net returns by 16.1%, and benefit ratio by 16.2% over the 0.4 PE–0.6 PE regime. Among fertigation schedules, application of 25% recommended NPK as basal and 75% through fertigation produced 19.2% higher yield, 17.9% greater WUE, 21.1% higher net returns, and an 18.6% higher benefit ratio than the treatment receiving 100% P and 25% N and K as basal with 75% NK through fertigation. In contrast, integrated application of 50% inorganic and 50% organic nutrient sources improved fruit quality traits, including fruit weight, ascorbic acid content, and total soluble solids. Principal component analysis explained 88.67% of the total variation, indicating distinct treatment responses. The combination of 25% basal + 75% fertigation, polyethylene mulch, and irrigation at 0.8 PE emerged as the most effective strategy for maximizing productivity, resource-use efficiency, and profitability, highlighting the importance of integrated water and nutrient management for sustainable strawberry cultivation in the North-Western Himalayan region.