Effects of Integrated and Organic Management on Strawberry (cv. Camarosa) Plant Growth, Nutrition, Fruit Yield, Quality, Nutraceutical Characteristics, and Soil Fertility Status

Abstract

Strawberry plants (cv. Camarosa) were cultivated under organic (ORG) and integrated management (INT) practices to assess possible differences in plant growth, fruit production and quality, soil fertility, and plant nutrition. Two integrated fertilizer schemes were used, differentiating based on the origin of the major organic fertilizer used, i.e., chicken manure (I-ACT) versus fermented fungal biomass (I-AGR). Plant growth was higher under I-ACT treatment, whereas leaf area did not differ among treatments. The two integrated schemes resulted in higher fruit production. The organoleptic characteristics of the fruits did not differ, and this was also confirmed by a taste panel. The antioxidant capacity and flavanol concentration of organically produced fruits were higher, as well as fruit carbohydrate and total organic acid concentration. Leaf nitrogen concentration was higher under I-ACT, followed by ORG. I-ACT resulted in high leaf potassium concentration, as well as iron and manganese (together with I-AGR). Under ORG management, soil EC was found to be lower, whereas soil available phosphorus concentration was highest. Discriminant analysis taking into account fruit quality and phytochemical properties distinguished ORG management from the two integrated management practices, and when soil properties and leaf nutrient concentration were considered; all three systems were separated, indicating that the type of fertilizers used plays a significant role.