The multiple advantages of having soilless strawberry crops are quickly becoming common knowledge in Italy, as more companies adopt the technology for the sake of efficiency.
Soilless systems are set up with three adjustable eave rows, positioned so that the strawberry plants are never shaded. While soilless produce production is not uncommon, this three-tier method is a relatively rare and new growing method. The benefit is an increase in productivity levels, meaning a longer and more bountiful strawberry harvest time period. Producer Vincenzo Pati spoke to the draws of the system, stating "Even in years such as this one, characterized by temperature ranges and cold fronts, I manage to harvest strawberries every day, keeping pathogen pressure to the minimum and with easier harvesting operations."
By tripling the number of plants, this grow method also reduces agronomic interventions to provide ample strawberries to the Italian population.
Sun-Chasing Soilless Strawberry Crops
Italian Soilless Strawberry Crops Extend Produce Production
Trend Themes
1. Soilless Crop Growth - The use of soilless systems with adjustable eave rows for crop growth is becoming a popular trend in Italy, with potential innovation opportunities for precision agriculture and vertical farming.
2. Three-tier Growing Method - The use of a three-tiered growing method for soilless strawberry produce is a new and innovative trend in Italy, with potential opportunities for increased efficiency and productivity in other crops and industries.
3. Year-round Strawberry Harvest - The implementation of soilless strawberry crops has led to year-round harvests in Italy, with potential opportunities for sustainable greenhouse agriculture and food security initiatives.
Industry Implications
1. Precision Agriculture - The use of adjustable eave row soilless systems for crop growth may lead to innovation opportunities for precision agriculture technology and equipment manufacturers.
2. Vertical Farming - The three-tiered growing method for soilless strawberry crops could be adapted for vertical farming systems in urban areas, with potential opportunities for sustainable food production.
3. Greenhouse Agriculture - The year-round harvests made possible by soilless strawberry crops may lead to innovative greenhouse agriculture practices and sustainable food security initiatives.