Influence of NPK and organic waste compost on physico-chemical attributes in strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted during the 2021-22 growing season to examine the “Influence of NPK and organic waste compost on the physico-chemical attributes of Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cv. Chandler”. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design, comprising eleven treatments with three replications each. The results revealed that the maximum fruit dimensions, including length (32.25 mm) and width (24.13 mm), as well as fruit weight (10.65 g), volume (10.15 cc) and specific gravity (1.049), were observed in plants applied with a combination of 75% RDF + Bamboo Leaves Compost @ 1.5 t/ha (T3). This treatment was followed closely by the treatment consisting of 50% RDF + Bamboo Leaves Compost @ 1.5 t/ha (T6). Conversely, the smallest fruit size and weight were found in the control (T1). Furthermore, the highest total soluble solids (TSS) (13.12 °Brix), ascorbic acid (54.23%), reducing sugars (5.25%), non-reducing sugar (4.63%), total sugar (9.88%) and TSS/acid ratio (20.36%) were recorded in berries from plants with 75% RDF + Bamboo Leaves Compost @ 1.5 t/ha (T3). This was closely followed by the treatment with 50% RDF + Bamboo Leaves Compost @ 1.5 t/ha (T6). The lowest acidity (0.56%) was observed in plants with 75% RDF + Bamboo Leaves Compost @ 1.5 t/ha (T3), whereas the highest acidity (0.93%) was recorded in the control (T1). Overall, the control plants showed the lowest values for most of the nutrient parameters measured.