Ravinnehyöty

The production of strawberries and raspberries grown in growth tunnels and lightweight greenhouses presents challenges in managing fertigation. The extended berry production season requires precision in the timing and amount of fertigation. Over-irrigation in confined substrates washes away nutrients, potentially increasing nutrient runoff into water bodies. The goal is to find solutions that support both production efficiency and environmental sustainability.

The project develops fertigation methods and practices for tunnel and seasonal greenhouse cultivation, as well as for producers planning to start berry production in these environments. Practical test cultivations and measurements are conducted to explore how fertigation timing and amounts can be optimized to minimize nutrient runoff. Additionally, alternatives for treating and reusing excess irrigation water are investigated, along with an evaluation of the costs and impacts of these methods on the water footprint of production. The measures are carried out in collaboration with farmers through test cultivations.

As a result of the project, farmers will gain concrete guidelines for managing fertigation and information about effective and environmentally friendly methods for treating excess irrigation water. The project combines expertise from the berry industry with collaboration among farmers, advisory services, research, and education.

Target group

Berry growers, horticultural industry operators, advisory organizations, research and education institutions, environmental authorities, and water management experts.

Operating area

Southwest Finland, Häme, Pirkanmaa

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