Irrigazione con acqua carbonicata e disponibilità di elementi nutritivi. Prova su coltura di fragola

A research was carried out to study the nutrient availability and yield performances of a strawberry crop cv. Chandler in response to equivalent depths (100% of ETM) of CO2 enriched water and plain water applied with different irrigation frequencies. Plots were arranged in a complete randomized block design replicated four times, using mulch and a drip irrigation system adopting 4 l/h emitters. The crop was covered by a plastic tunnel following treatment differentiation. The statistical analysis revealed an increased availability of Cu, Zn, Ca, Mg, and Mn for the CO2 treatment, probably linked with the pH reduction (from 7.5 to 6.5). The increased nutrient uptake in the CO2 enriched water treatment may be the cause of the commercial yield enhancement (8.6%) and reduction in the weight of deformed berries (-12.1%).