IMPROVEMENT OF STRAWBERRY NUTRITION IN SANDY SOILS BY ADDITION OF MANURE, CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM

The addition of manure, gypsum, and dolomite as improvers of the organ ic matter, calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) levels in the soils has be en tested in a greenhouse experiment in order to enhance results obtai ned from strawberry cultivation in the southwest of Spain. The manure addition resulted in a significant increase in the Ca content in plant s and decreased potassium (K). These effects were more pronounced when gypsum and dolomite were supplied together with the manure. The vitam in C content in the fruits was higher when manure was applied to the s oil, whereas the reducing sugar levels in the fruits decreased.