Strawberry transplanting is at its peak; proper fertilization promotes high yields.

After the Start of Autumn, when the average daily temperature drops to around 20°C—typically from late August to late September—is the optimal time for transplanting greenhouse strawberries. Strawberries are planted at high densities and have a long production cycle, requiring more nutrients and water than most fruit trees; higher yields demand greater fertilizer application. Therefore, applying an adequate and well‑formulated base fertilizer is key to achieving high quality and abundant harvests. So, how should base fertilizer be applied to strawberries after the Start of Autumn? And what are the proper fertilization methods and important precautions? Let’s take a look!

         Primarily using bio-organic fertilizer

         Base fertilizer should primarily consist of organic fertilizers, supplemented with an appropriate amount of chemical fertilizers. Based on the nutrient uptake patterns of strawberry cultivation, the later growth stages require substantial fertilizer application, particularly phosphorus and potassium. The decomposition process of organic fertilizers indicates that these nutrients are released in large quantities during the same period, thereby adequately meeting the nutritional needs of the strawberries.

         In principle, strawberries should not be grown in the same field year after year, as this can increase the risk of root diseases such as root rot, Verticillium wilt, and bacterial wilt. Therefore, greenhouse soils must undergo disinfection. To offset the loss of beneficial microorganisms during soil sterilization, apply a bio‑organic fertilizer at a rate of 150–200 kg per mu, and supplement it with a sulfur‑based humic acid compound fertilizer (17‑17‑17) along with a high‑calcium, potassium, and magnesium micronutrient fertilizer.

         Bio-organic fertilizers are rich in organic matter and a diverse array of beneficial microorganisms. They not only improve soil structure and physicochemical properties but also supply crops with adequate nutrients. The various beneficial microbial communities they contain can metabolize to produce a range of enzymes and organic acids, facilitating the breakdown of recalcitrant soil nutrients and enhancing their availability and uptake by plants. Furthermore, during their growth, these beneficial microbes synthesize multiple vitamins and growth‑stimulating substances, effectively promoting root development and strengthening photosynthesis, thereby supporting the accumulation of sugars and dry matter.

         Base fertilizer should be applied during soil tillage, at a depth of approximately 20 centimeters, to ensure even distribution and to remove hard clods, stones, weeds, plastic film fragments, and other debris.

         Precautions for Fertilizing Strawberries After the Start of Autumn

1. Fertilization timing: Apply fertilizer in early September (autumn), prior to strawberry transplanting.

         2. Fertilization method: Before ridge formation, apply 60%–70% of the total base fertilizer to the base of the planting ridges; prior to transplanting, apply the remaining 30%–40% to the bottom of the planting holes. Incorporate the fertilizer during deep tillage, using either trench application or band application, with an optimal application depth of approximately 20 cm.

         3. Application rate: Apply approximately 100 kg of humic acid compound fertilizer per mu.

         4. Precautions: Strawberries are highly sensitive to chlorine; excessive application of chlorine-containing fertilizers can severely compromise fruit quality. Therefore, the use of such fertilizers should be carefully controlled.

         5. Fertilization effects: Chlorophyll content increases, resulting in dark green, vigorously growing leaves; yield is higher; fruit sugar content, vitamin C levels, and the diversity and concentration of aroma compounds are all enhanced; fruit color is improved, and overall quality is excellent.