Effect of Nutrient Solution Strength on pH of Drainage Solution and Root Activity of Strawberry 'Sulhyang' in Hydroponics

Experiments were conducted to investigate the optimum concentration of the nutrient solution in strawberry 'Sulhyang' with hydroponics in relationship between root activity and nutrient concentrations. Nutrient solutions for strawberry, made by Yamazaki, were supplied EC 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 dSㆍm-¹ during experiment period. Growth of shoot and root of strawberries grown in visible plastic pot was observed during experiment. Petiole length was longest in plants grown in EC 1.0 dSㆍm-¹, followed by 2.0 and 0.5 dSㆍm-¹. Leaf width was longest in plants grown in EC 1.0 dSㆍm-¹, followed by 0.5 and 2.0 dSㆍm-¹. Fruit length, fruit diameter, fruit weight and yield were higher in EC 0.5 and 1.0 dSㆍm-¹ than 2.0 dSㆍm-¹ treatment but, soluble solids of the fruit did not show statistical differences among treatments. Shoot dry weight was heaviest in EC 1.0 dSㆍm-¹, followed by 0.5 and 2.0 dSㆍm-¹. Root dry weight was heavier in EC 0.5 and 1.0 dSㆍm-¹ but significantly light in 2.0 dSㆍm-¹. pH of the drainage solution was elevated in low nutrient concentration and lowered in high concentration. Also root activity was high in low nutrient concentration and low in high concentration. As a result, the optimum EC for strawberry 'Sulhyang' was EC 1.0 dSㆍm-¹ in this experiment. It was confirmed that there was high relationship between root activity and pH of drainage solution. This result will be utilized as an indicator for strawberry hydroponics.