Soft Fruit Fertigation – Why Is It So Important?

Soft fruit fertigation is a method of simultaneously irrigating and fertilising plants by delivering nutrients directly to the root zone together with water via a drip system. In modern strawberry and raspberry cultivation, it is today a foundation – not an option – of efficient production.

This text is based on an article by Marco R. Butera, an independent agronomic consultant. His article was published in the 2026 Report: “The Soft Fruit Market in an International Perspective”. If you wish to download the full report, click here.

What is soft fruit fertigation and why does it matter?

Fertigation combines irrigation and fertilisation into a single precise process: nutrients reach the root zone directly, at the right concentration and at the right moment. In soilless growing systems – based on coconut fibre, peat or inert substrates – it is the only possible method of feeding plants, since the substrate provides no mineral nutrients whatsoever. The grower bears 100% of the responsibility for every gram of fertiliser that reaches the plant.

The industry context shows how much depends on management precision: strawberry yields range from approximately 27,000 kg/ha in soil-based systems to over 50,000–68,000 kg/ha in soilless systems (Sady i Ogrody, 2026). This difference does not stem from variety or climate – it stems from the quality of fertigation management.

How does precision fertigation work in soilless cultivation?

In traditional field cultivation, fertilisation was adjusted a few times per season based on soil analyses. In soilless systems, nutrient management must be continuous and flexible – each fertigation event is an opportunity to adapt the dose to the current plant development stage, weather conditions, and the balance between uptake and outflow in the drainage solution.

Precision fertigation means applying the right nutrients, in the right proportions and at the right moment. When carried out correctly, it prevents physiological disorders, reduces environmental pressure and increases input use efficiency.

What fertigation systems are used in soft fruit cultivation?

The market offers solutions for every scale – from simple dosers to advanced computerised fertigation systems. Key features of modern systems include: management of multiple irrigation zones simultaneously, real-time EC and pH regulation of the nutrient solution and recording of drainage solution parameters.

A significant advantage is modularity – a farm can start with simple equipment and expand it gradually. The most advanced systems monitor irrigation and drainage continuously, enabling rapid programme adjustment and stabilisation of root zone conditions.

What role does EC and pH monitoring play in strawberry and raspberry fertigation?

EC (electrical conductivity) and nutrient solution pH are the two most important parameters that determine nutrient availability to plants. Excessive EC causes osmotic stress; too low EC leads to deficiencies. Incorrect pH blocks the uptake of microelements even when they are present in adequate quantities in the solution.

Strawberries have high water requirements – approximately 95% of the fruit’s chemical composition is water, and its availability to the plant directly affects fruit size, flesh firmness and skin colour (Boryna Plant, 2023). Monitoring VWC (volumetric water content of the substrate) helps prevent both excess moisture and water stress – both factors that immediately limit nutrient uptake.

Does soft fruit fertigation reduce production costs?

Yes – albeit indirectly. Investment in precision fertilisation systems pays off through: more efficient use of fertilisers and water, reduction of losses, more stable nutrient solution parameters and a decrease in the risk of costly errors. The impact on fruit quality is even more pronounced – properly managed fertigation improves firmness, colour uniformity, flavour balance and post-harvest shelf life.

Particular importance lies in the correct calcium-to-potassium ratio – elements that are critical for fruit physiology and post-harvest performance. Technology alone, however, is not sufficient without the expertise to interpret data – hence the important role of advisors and agronomists.

Summary: fertigation as a standard of modern production

Precision fertilisation, sensor-based monitoring and computerised fertigation management are today a standard – not a luxury – in strawberry and raspberry cultivation. Farms implementing these technologies gain full control over agronomic variables and transform production into a measurable, flexible and disruption-resistant process.

The future of the soft fruit industry will be defined not only by yield volumes, but by efficiency, rational resource management and consistent quality. Fertigation – supported by technology, data and specialist knowledge – is its foundation.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Soft Fruit Fertigation

What is the difference between fertigation and traditional fertilisation?

Traditional fertilisation involves applying fertilisers to the soil or as foliar spray, independently of irrigation. Fertigation combines both processes – fertilisers are delivered together with water directly to the root zone via a drip system. This makes nutrients immediately available to plants, and the grower has full control over concentration and timing. In soilless cultivation, fertigation is the only possible method of feeding plants.

Is fertigation suitable for small strawberry and raspberry farms?

Yes – modern fertigation systems are modular and scalable. A small farm can start with a simple fertiliser doser connected to a drip line, and expand the system gradually as production scale increases. The barrier to entry is today significantly lower than a decade ago, and the investment pays off quickly through reduced fertiliser losses and improved yield quality.

Which nutrient solution parameters should be monitored during fertigation?

Two key parameters are EC (electrical conductivity, expressed in mS/cm) – an indicator of the mineral salt concentration in the solution – and pH, which determines the availability of individual nutrients to the roots. Monitoring of VWC (volumetric water content of the substrate) is also important, as are the parameters of the drainage solution, which indicate how much of the supplied nutrients the plant has actually taken up.

What effect does fertigation have on soft fruit quality?

Properly managed fertigation directly improves the commercial quality of fruit: its firmness, colour uniformity, flavour intensity and post-harvest shelf life. Particularly important is the correct calcium-to-potassium ratio during the ripening phase – calcium is responsible for the cellular structure of the fruit and its resistance to mechanical damage during harvesting and transport.

Can fertigation be used in traditional soil-based cultivation?

Yes, although the degree of control is then limited – soil buffers some nutrients and supplies certain elements on its own. In soil-based cultivation, fertigation via a drip system still significantly increases fertilisation efficiency and improves yields compared with soil-applied fertilisation. However, the full potential of precision fertigation is realised in soilless systems, where the grower controls every element of the root environment.

Where should one start when implementing fertigation on a farm?

The starting point is a water quality analysis – its EC, pH, hardness and mineral composition determine fertiliser selection and the construction of the fertigation programme. The next step is installing a drip system and a basic fertiliser doser. It is worth collaborating from the outset with an agronomic advisor who will help design a nutrition programme tailored to the variety, growth stage and local conditions.