Effects of Differently Treated Wastewater and Fertilizer on Some Quality Criteria for Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch, cv. 'Albion') Plants

Abstract

The use of treated wastewater in agriculture will generate an alternative water source and alleviate some of the pressure on our waters; thus, treated wastewater has become a diminishing resource. In addition, plants can meet some of their nutritional needs from treated wastewater, which will help reduce fertilizer use. In our study, we investigated the effects of different wastewater treatment levels and fertilizer applications on the 'Albion' strawberry variety. This study was carried out in a climate chamber located at Bilecik & Scedil;eyh Edebali University's Biotechnology Application and Research Center, Turkey. The results obtained during the vegetation period under controlled conditions revealed that the application of particular amounts of treated wastewater boosted plant growth. In particular, treated wastewater applied as irrigation water at a certain rate increased characteristics such as leaf area, fruit weight, fruit width and fruit length. Research has shown that the macro and microelement contents of plants respond favorably to a particular level of treated wastewater. In addition, the chlorophyll levels measured before and after each irrigation event were the highest among the subjects that were irrigated with 30% treated wastewater. Since this increase in chlorophyll content will promote plant nutrition, treated wastewater will have positive effects on yield and quality.