Drainage Recycling Ratio Influences Yield, Fruit Quality, and Antioxidant Properties of Korean Strawberry ‘Seolhyang’

TL;DR

Moderate drainage recycling in hydroponic strawberry systems improves yield and fruit quality without affecting antioxidants, while high recycling causes salt issues.

Contribution

This study provides practical insights into optimal drainage recycling ratios for semi-closed strawberry hydroponic systems.

Findings

Moderate drainage recycling (30–50%) maintains ionic balance and supports stable yields and fruit weight.

High recycling ratios (70%) cause ionic imbalances and reduced fruit size due to increased salt concentrations.

Antioxidant activity is more influenced by cropping season than by recycling ratios.

Abstract

Closed hydroponic systems for strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) are infrequently used because the crop is highly sensitive to salt accumulation and prone to root diseases, resulting in yield reduction. This study investigated semi-closed hydroponic systems using various drainage recycling ratios (30%, 50%, and 70% of drainage EC) to determine their impact on yield, fruit quality, and antioxidant properties. Recycling at moderate levels (30–50%) effectively maintained ionic balance, particularly with respect to K/N and K/Ca ratios, which enabled stable yields and increased fruit weight similar to the control (open hydroponic system) group. Conversely, a high recycling ratio (70%) led to ionic imbalances—characterized by increased K/N ratios and higher concentrations of Na+, Cl−, and SO42−—that were associated with decreased fruit size. Measures of antioxidant capacity, such as total phenol and flavonoid content, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and DPPH activity, were not significantly influenced by the recycling ratio alone. Nevertheless, the relatively elevated antioxidant activity observed at the 70% recycling level indicates a mild ionic and osmotic stress response likely caused by increased salt concentration. Changes related to the cropping system season, rather than ion variations from recycling, exerted a stronger influence on antioxidant accumulation. In summary, moderate drainage recycling facilitates optimal fruit production without negatively affecting quality, while excessive recycling may increase antioxidant activity but leads to reduced yields. The results provide practical recommendations for optimizing nutrient reuse in semi-closed strawberry hydroponic systems.

Figures