Foliar fertilization with gradual release of shale-based nutrients in strawberry and its effect on yield and compounds with functional potential

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of a fertilizer matrix of shale-based by-products and shale water as an alternative fertilization on strawberry culture. Were used 16 treatments, which resulted from the combination of three factors levels: cultivar (with two levels: Camarosa and Camino Real), allocated in plot, complementary base fertilization (with two levels: with and without MBR fertilizer matrix at a dose of 2000 kg ha^-1), allocated in subplots and foliar fertilization (with four levels: Shale water, shale water + boron, shale water + calcium and a control without foliar fertilization), allocated in the sub-subplot.  Yield, functional com­pounds and fruit chemical analysis were investigated. The production obtained in strawberry crop was similar or higher than national average. In the conditions of this study, in area with high level of initial fertility, the complementary base fertilization with MBR and foliar fertilization with shale water-based, did not influence the variables of quality such as the functional properties and chemical characteristics of strawberry fruits. Similarly, the added micronutrients in leaf fertilization shale water-based, Ca and B did not influence the yield and quality variables of studied culture.