Strawberry cultivation in soilless growing media: A review of substrate selection, nutrient management, challenges and opportunities

Introduction

The strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.), a member of the family Rosaceae, is a stoloniferous perennial herb propagated commercially through runners (Islam et al., 2013) [15] . It exhibits broad climatic adaptability, thriving in both humid and arid regions from the lowlands up to 3000 m altitude, with optimal growth favoured by day temperatures of 22-25 °C and night temperatures of 7-13 °C. Strawberries serve as an important natural reservoir of bioactive compounds, composed of roughly 95% water and only about 5% solid content (Ariza et al., 2016) [3] . Nutritionally, they offer a strong profile of vitamins and minerals each 150 g portion supplies approximately 94 mg of vitamin C, 45 IU of vitamin A and 1.0 g of protein, along with beneficial fatty acids derived from their seed oil. The fruit is also a good source of trace minerals including manganese, potassium, iodine, magnesium, copper, iron and phosphorus. Beyond these nutrients, strawberries contain non-nutritive bioactive substances such as polyphenolic phytochemicals, which contribute additional health-related properties (Giampieri et al., 2012) [13] . In soilless systems, desired root-zone properties are achieved by mixing selected organic and inorganic substrate materials. Container shape and size also matter, since they affect how substrate properties function, making it important to optimize the substrate system container and medium together as a whole (McKean et al., 2019) [24] . Root-zone chemistry is equally critical: a pH of 5.5-6.5 is generally ideal for soilless crop production, keeping nutrients available to plants (Savvas et al., 2013) [33] . Strawberries specifically favor low electrical conductivity (EC), with 1.1-2.1 dS m -1 shown to maximize growth and yield across seven cultivars (Sun et al., 2015) [35] . A key physical requirement for strawberry substrate systems is sufficient air porosity, which supports proper gas exchange and allows excess water to drain effectively. At the same time, this porosity needs to be balanced against the substrate's water-holding capacity, ensuring plants have consistent access to water and nutrients (Wallach, 2008) [37] . Growing strawberries in soilless substrates offers a range of agronomic benefits: it substantially curbs weed infestation, markedly lowers the incidence of soil-borne diseases and supports higher yields of superior-quality fruit. This approach is particularly valuable in areas where soil quality is poor, as it creates a more favorable rooting environment and improves the efficiency with which plants use water. For these reasons, soilless cultivation systems have become a critical component of modern strawberry production (Rathod et al., 2021) [30] . Soilless cultivation has emerged as a promising strategy for year-round crop production with reduced land and labor needs, especially valuable in water-or soil-scarce regions. Wider adoption depends on cost-effective, automated systems, while challenges like disease spread in closed systems and reliance on fossil-based energy and materials remain unresolved. Sustainability claims are further limited by a lack of comparative environmental data, particularly on energy use and viable fossil-fuel alternatives. Since system efficiency, plant suitability, substrate impact and economic viability vary widely, a clear understanding of individual systems, substrates and organisms is essential to determine when soilless techniques are truly worthwhile (Fussy et al., 2022) [12] . This review aims to synthesize current knowledge on substrate selection, nutrient and fertigation management and the key challenges and opportunities in soilless strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) cultivation, in comparison with traditional soil-based farming, to guide sustainable and resource-efficient production practices.

Historical development of soilless growing media

The development of soilless growing media has drawn on innovations from multiple regions. Japan pioneered the use of carbonized rice hulls as a lightweight, sustainable substrate that was later adopted internationally. In the 1960s, mineral wool rockwool was recognized as a viable horticultural substrate, marking a major technological advance for soilless systems. Around the same time, durable plastics transformed containerization for growing media. Later, during the 1980s and 1990s, Sri Lanka and India advanced coconut coir processing techniques, turning this agricultural by-product into one of the most widely used greenhouse substrates today (Malik et al., 2025) [22] . [2] The substrate is the physical interface between the strawberry root system and the applied nutrient solution and its physical structure (porosity, air-filled porosity, water-holding capacity, bulk density) and chemical properties (pH, cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity, nutrient content) directly influence root aeration, water availability and nutrient uptake (Palencia et al., 2016) [29] . A wide range of organic and inorganic materials has been evaluated for strawberry, individually and in mixtures (Jafarnia et al., 2010) [16] .

Media selection (Alsmairat et al., 2018)

Different growing media

Cocopeat: Cocopeat, a byproduct of coconut husk processing, is widely used as a growing substrate for its cost efficiency, aeration, drainage and durability (Abad et al., 2002) [1] . It is available as loose peat or compressed bricks, the latter reducing shipping costs. Bricks weigh 4-5 kilograms and expand to four to five times their volume upon hydration. Disinfection, typically through steam sterilization, is recommended before use (Mehta et al., 2023) [25] .

Perlite: Perlite is produced by subjecting crushed volcanic rock to high-temperature expansion, yielding a lightweight, whitecolored material. It is sterile, chemically neutral in pH and functions to improve aeration and drainage within growing media.

Perlite is also notably resistant to structural breakdown and is capable of retaining water at approximately three to four times its own weight. Its incorporation into growing substrates contributes to a reduction in overall medium weight relative to soilbased alternatives (Mehta et al., 2023) [25] .

Vermiculite: It is a hydrated phyllosilicate mineral formed through the natural weathering breakdown of biotite mica. In terms of chemical composition, it consists of a hydrous magnesium-aluminium-iron silicate that additionally incorporates both potassium and magnesium within its structure (Lakshmikanth, 2019) [20] . It is available in various grades, with finer grades suited to small pots and coarser grades to larger containers. Vermiculite retains substantial moisture, supplies calcium and magnesium and maintains a near-neutral pH. It is valued in soilless substrates for its water and nutrient retention, aeration and low bulk density (Mehta et al., 2023) [25] .

Bark: Bark is the byproducts from lumber processing are used as a growing medium, valued for their low cost and good aeration. Since raw bark is low in nutrients and highly acidic (pH 3.5-6.5), dolomitic limestone is typically added to raise the pH to at least 6.0. (Mehta et al., 2023) [25] .

Sphagnum moss: Sphagnum moss is considered one of the best forms of organic matter for improving soil quality. It's both readily available and affordable, making it a popular choice for enhancing drainage and aeration in denser, heavier soils. What sets sphagnum moss apart is its remarkable water-holding capacity, its specialized cells can absorb 10 to 20 times its own weight in water (Rathod et al., 2021) [30] .

Bagasse: Bagasse is the fibrous residue left over once sucrose, water and other impurities (filter mud) have been extracted from milled sugarcane. On a dry-weight basis, it is composed of roughly 40-50% cellulose, 30-35% hemicellulose and 20-30% lignin, with a small remainder of other materials (Charles et al., 2017) [7] .

FYM: Farmers have relied on animal manure, including cow dung, as a natural fertilizer for centuries. Its incorporation into soil enhances physical structure while boosting overall nutrient status, thereby increasing soil fertility over time. Additionally, manure application supports plant nutrition and enriches the soil capacity to supply the trace minerals by stimulating microbial activity within the soil. Rich in nitrogen and various other essential nutrient elements, it plays a supportive role in fostering healthy plant development (Lakshmikanth, 2019) [20] .

Rock wool: Rock wool is manufactured by melting a combination of coke, basalt, limestone and iron-production slag at high temperature, after which it is processed into a fine powdered or granular form (Bougoul et al., 2005) [4] . Once mixed into a growing medium, it provides beneficial aeration alongside good moisture retention. Being mildly alkaline in reaction, it neither contributes nor holds onto nutrients to any meaningful extent, which is why it is typically blended with other components such as sphagnum peat moss to form a more balanced substrate (Mehta et al., 2023) [25] .

Rice hulls: Ground parboiled fresh rice hulls with a fine particle size of 0.5-1.0 mm (RH 3 ) showed total pore space, air-filled pore space and water-holding capacity comparable to sphagnum peat, though with higher available water, bulk density and particle density (Buck et al., 2010) [5] .

Nutrient solution management is critical in soilless strawberry production, as solution concentration directly affects root-zone EC, nutrient availability and plant growth. Sambo et al. (2019) [32] stressed that controlling nutrient concentration, pH and EC is essential to maintaining a suitable rhizosphere environment, while Depardieu et al. (2016) [9] showed that EC should be adjusted according to substrate characteristics and crop stage progressively modified during establishment and stabilized during flowering and fruiting with regular monitoring of solution and drainage EC/pH to prevent salt accumulation. Nutrient concentration also strongly influences crop performance: Choi et al. (2013) [8] found that both low and excessive phosphorus levels restricted growth in 'Seolhyang' strawberry, underscoring the need to keep nutrients within an optimal range.

Nutrient solution management and fertigation

Soilless culture has become an important strategy in strawberry production for several reasons. Cecatto et al. (2013) [6] noted that conventional soil-based cultivation resulted in many environmental and phytosanitary problems and that soilless culture is now advocated for environmental reasons because it greatly reduces the use of chemical pesticide and fungicide inputs. Doust et al. (2023) [10] further emphasized that soilless cultivation offers improved quality control over the growth environment and mitigates uncertainties related to soil, water and nutrient availability, making it a promising approach for the future of horticulture. Nichols (2021) [28] explained that soilless culture (hydroponics) allows strawberries to be grown above the ground in table-top systems, providing an improved root environment, nutrition and irrigation, along with easier fruit harvesting (Lakhiar at al., 2025) [18] .. [21] Traditional farming refers to open-field, soil-based cultivation without artificial climate control, making it highly dependent on local weather conditions, rainfall patterns and the natural fertility of the soil Rayes et al. (2020) [31] . Irrigation in such systems is often carried out through surface or furrow methods, leading to considerable water losses from evaporation, runoff and inefficient distribution (Xue et al., 2024) [40] . Broad application of fertilizers and pest control measures can further contribute to environmental problems such as soil degradation, nutrient leaching and increased greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (Wang et al., 2025) [39] . Although greenhouse farming and polytunnel structures have been introduced in some regions to protect crops from extreme weather, they typically offer only partial climate control rather than complete environmental optimization (Wang et al., 2024) [38] . Soilless Farming (SLF), in contrast, is a context-specific cultivation strategy in which plants are grown without natural soil, offering an alternative in environments where conventional soil-based farming is limited by resource or environmental constraints. SLF systems are generally implemented within Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA), such as advanced greenhouses and vertical farms, where temperature, humidity, light and nutrient supply are precisely managed to optimize plant development (Lakhiar et al., 2020) [19] .

Challenges in soiless farming

Lakhiar et al. (2020) [19] Soiless farming adoption in developing regions is constrained by high capital investment, since vertical and hydroponic systems require costly irrigation, lighting, nutrient circulation and climate-control infrastructure, particularly where energy costs are high or grid access is limited Mishra et al. (2024) [27] . Urban land scarcity and high property costs further complicate adoption, as valuable urban real estate often competes with agricultural use, though adaptive reuse of rooftops and underutilized buildings offers partial relief depending on land-use policy (Teoh et al., 2024) [36] . A persistent technological and knowledge gap among farmers stemming from limited training Hardman et al. (2022) [14] , extension services and capacity-building programs continues to favor traditional practices over soiless farming adoption Savvas and Gruda (2018) [34] . Weak infrastructure, including unreliable electricity, poor internet connectivity and inadequate input supply chains, further impedes implementation (Min et al., 2024) [26] .

Opportunities in soiless farming

Low-cost, modular SLF designs adapted to local conditions can reduce setup costs and improve feasibility for small farmers Fei et al.

(2025) [11] . Simple approaches such as passive ventilation, waste heat recovery and use of recycled or locally available materials further cut costs. Financial tools like subsidies, tax incentives and microloans especially when linked with community-based farming models can im prove access to SLF technology. Since SLF works best when matched to local conditions, a strategic approach focused on affordability, training, infrastructure and community involvement is key to its success, allowing SLF to strengthen food production resilience in urban and peri-urban areas Lakhiar et al. (2025) [18] .

Conclusion

Soilless cultivation has emerged as a reliable and increasingly important method for growing strawberries, offering better control over substrate quality, nutrient supply and root environment compared to traditional soil-based farming. By carefully selecting suitable growing media and managing nutrient solutions at appropriate pH and EC levels, this approach helps reduce disease incidence, improve water-use efficiency and support higher yields of good-quality fruit. Although challenges such as high setup costs, limited farmer awareness and unclear environmental sustainability still remain, continued research and low-cost system innovations can help soilless cultivation become a practical and sustainable solution for future strawberry production.

Acknowledgement

AcknowledgmentI sincerely express my herfelt gratitude to all advisory committee members and the faculty of Dr. Sharadchandra Pawar College of Agriculture, Baramati, for their continuous support, valuable guidance and constructive suggestions throughout my research jouney.

References

1. Abad M, Noguera P, Puchades R, Maquieira A, Noguera V. Physico-chemical and chemical properties of some coconut coir dusts for use as a peat substitute for containerised ornamental plants. Bioresource Technology. 2002;82(3):241-245.
2. Alsmairat NG, Al-Ajlouni MG, Ayad JY, Othman YA, Hilaire R. Composition of soilless substrates affect the physiology and fruit quality of two strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cultivars. Journal of Plant Nutrition. 2018;41(18):2356-2364.
3. Ariza MT, Reboredo-Rodriguez L, Mazzoni TY, Forbes Hernandez F, Giampieri S, Afrin M, Gasparrini C, Soria E, Martinez-Ferri M, Battinoand B, Mezzetti. Strawberry achenes are an important source of bioactive compounds for human health. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2016;17:1103.
4. Bougoul S, Ruy S, De Groot F, Boulard. Hydraulic and physical properties of stonewool substrates in horticulture. Scientia Horticulturae. 2005;104(4):391-405.
5. Buck JS, Evans MR. Physical properties of ground parboiled fresh rice hulls used as a horticultural root substrate. HortScience. 2010;45(4):643-649.
6. Cecatto AP, Calvete EO, Nienow AA, Costa RC, Mendonca HF, Pazzinato AC. Culture systems in the production and quality of strawberry cultivars. Acta Scientiarum. Agronomy. 2013;35(4):471-478.
7. Charles L, Paul M, Douglas JS, Eric CP. Impact of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash as an Amendment on the Physical Properties, Nutrient Content and Seedling Growth of a Certified Organic Greenhouse Growing Media. Journal of Agricultural Science. 2017;9(7):1-11.
8. Choi JM, Latigui A, Lee CW. Visual symptom and tissue nutrient contents in dry matter and petiole sap for diagnostic criteria of phosphorus nutrition for 'Seolhyang' strawberry cultivation. Horticulture, Environment and Biotechnology. 2013;54(1):52-57.
9. Depardieu C, Premont V, Boily C, Caron J. Sawdust and barkbased substrates for soilless strawberry production: Irrigation and electrical conductivity management. Public Library of Science ONE. 2016;11(4):1-20.
10. Doust JR, Nazarideljou MJ, Arshad M, Ferrante A. Comparison of the growth, physio-biochemical characteristics and quality indices in soilless-grown strawberries under greenhouse and openfield conditions. Horticulturae. 2023;9(7):774.
11. Fei S, Wu R, Liu H, Yang F, Wang N. Technological innovations in urban and peri-urban agriculture: Pathways to sustainable food systems in metropolises. Horticulturae. 2025;11(2):212.
12. Fussy A, Papenbrock J. An overview of soil and soilless cultivation techniques chances, challenges and the neglected question of sustainability. Plants. 2022;11(9):1153.
13. Giampieri F, Tulipani S, Alvarez-Suarez JM, Quiles J, Mezzetti B, Battino M. The strawberry: Composition, nutritional quality and impact on human health. Nutrition. 2012;28(1):9-19.
14. Hardman M, Clark A, Sherriff G. Mainstreaming urban agriculture: Opportunities and barriers to upscaling city farming. Agronomy. 2022;12:601.
15. Islam MS, Hossan MJ, Ahsan MK, Mehraj H, Uddin AJ. Evaluation of growth and yield of four strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) genotypes. The Agriculturists. 2013;11(2):104-108.
16. Jafarnia S, Khosrowshahi S, Hatamzade A, Tehranifar A. Effect of substrate and variety on some important quality and quantity characteristics of strawberry production in vertical hydroponics system. Advances in Environmental Biology. 2010;4(3):360-363.
17. Kazimi R, Tajzadah AW, Merzai MS. Impacts of Alternative Growing Medium in Combination with Jeevamrit on Strawberry Growth and Fruit Quality Parameters under Open Field Condition. Multidisciplinary Science Journal. 2024;6(10):212.
18. Lakhiar IA, Yan H, Syed TN, Zhang C, Shaikh SA, Rakibuzzaman M, Vistro RB. Soilless agricultural systems: Opportunities, challenges and applications for enhancing horticultural resilience to climate change and urbanization. Horticulturae. 2025;11(6):568.
19. Lakhiar MA, Gao J, Syed TN, Chandio FA, Tunio MH, Ahmad F, Solangi KA. Overview of the Aeroponic Agriculture An Emerging Technology for Global Food Security. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. 2020;13:1-10.
20. Lakshmikanth K. Standardization of pot culture media for economic cultivation of strawberry in vertical farming system under naturally ventilated polyhouse. 2019.
21. Maher M, Shylla B, Sharma D, Sharma U, Kuchay M. Yield and quality of polyhouse grown strawberries as affected by soilless media and jeevamrit. International Journal of Chemical Studies. 2020;8(3):585-589.
22. Malik M, Tlustos P. Soilless Growing Media for Cannabis Cultivation. Agriculture. 2025;15(18):1955.
23. Martinez F, Oliveira JA, Calvete EO, Palencia P. Influence of growth medium on yield, quality indexes and SPAD values in strawberry plants. Scientia Horticulturae. 2017;217:17-27.
24. McKean T, Kroggel M, Kubota C, Naasz R. Evaluation of four soilless substrate systems for greenhouse strawberry production. In International Symposium on Advanced Technologies and Management for Innovative Greenhouse. 2019:823-830.
25. Mehta A, Yadav A, Kumar A, Kanika. Effect of growing media on growth, yield and quality of strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa): A review. Biological Forum -An International Journal. 2023;15(10):1371-1374.
26. Min A, Nguyen N, Howatt L, Tavares M, Seo J. Aeroponic systems design: Considerations and challenges. Journal of Agricultural Engineering. 2014;54:1-19.
27. Mishra SJ, Rout D, Sahoo D. Analysing the economic viability of hydroponic farming: A comparative cost-benefit analysis. International Journal of Progressive Research in Engineering and Management Sciences. 2024;4:1806-1811.
28. Nichols M. Advances in soilless culture strawberry production. Burleigh Dodds Science Publishing; 2021.
29. Palencia P, Bordonaba JG, Martinez F, Terry LA. Investigating the effect of different soilless substrates on strawberry productivity and fruit composition. Scientia Horticulturae. 2016;203:12-19.
30. Rathod KD, Patel AJ, Chakraborty B. Strawberry cultivation practices in soilless growing substrates: A review article. International Journal of Chemical Studies. 2021;9(1):1253-1256.
31. Reyes SRC, Miyazaki A, Yiu E, Saito O. Enhancing Sustainability in Traditional Agriculture: Indicators for Monitoring the Conservation of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) in Japan. Sustainability. 2020;12:5656.
32. Sambo P, Nicoletto C, Giro A, Pii Y, Valentinuzzi F, Mimmo T, Lugli P, Orzes G, Mazzetto F, Astolfi S, Terzano R, Cesco S. Hydroponic solutions for soilless production systems: Issues and opportunities in a smart agriculture perspective. Frontiers in Plant Science. 2019;10:923.
33. Savvas D, Gianquinto GP, Tuzel Y, Gruda N. Soilless culture. In Good agricultural practices for greenhouse vegetable crops: Principles for Mediterranean climate areas (FAO Plant Production and Protection Paper No. 217, pp. 303-354). Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. 2013.
34. Savvas D, Gruda N. Application of soilless culture technologies in the modern greenhouse industry. European Journal of Horticulture Sciences. 2018;83:280-293.
35. Sun Y, Niu G, Wallace R, Masabni J, Gu M. Relative salt tolerance of seven strawberry cultivars. Horticulturae. 2015;1(1):2743.
36. Teoh SH, Wong GR, Mazumdar PA. Review on Urban Farming: Potential, Challenges and Opportunities. Innovative Agriculture. 2024;7:1-11.
37. Wallach R. Physical characteristics of soilless media. Soilless culture: Theory and practice Elsevier. 2018;41-116.
38. Wang B, Bao R, Yan H, Zheng H, Wu J, Zhang C, Wang G. Study of Evapotranspiration and Crop Coefficients for Eggplant in a Venlo-Type Greenhouse in South China. Irrigation and Drainage. 2024;74:556-568.
39. Wang S, Yang Y, Yin H, Zhao J, Wang T, Yang X, Ren J, Yin C. Towards Digital Transformation of Agriculture for Sustainable Development in China: Experience and Lessons Learned. Sustainability. 2025;17:3756.
40. Xue R, Zhang C, Yan H, Disasa KN, Lakhiar IA, Akhlaq M, Hameed MU, Li J, Ren J, Deng S. Determination of the Optimal Frequency and Duration of Micro-Spray Patterns for HighTemperature Environment Tomatoes Based on the Fuzzy Borda Model. Agricultural Water Management. 2024;307:109240. How to cite this article: Patil TS, Aagale MG, Kshirsagar SK, Shinde GS, Surve SS. Strawberry cultivation in soilless growing media: A review of substrate selection, nutrient management, challenges and opportunities. International Journal of Advanced Biochemistry Research. 2026;SP-10(10):534-538. doi: https://w ww.doi.org/10.33545/26174693.2026.v10.i10Sg.10336