Manure Application to a Strawberry Garden: Changes in Some Soil and Plant Properties Under Semi-arid Climate Conditions

Abstract

To address challenges like high pH and low organic matter for sustainable strawberry production in semi-arid regions, this study investigated the effects of manure (10 and 20 Mg ha⁻1) on ’Albion’ strawberry yield/quality and alkaline soil properties. In the first year, manure significantly improved soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), and aggregate stability (WAS), while decreasing bulk density (Db), penetration resistance (PR), and pH (P < 0.01) compared to the control. Plant yield and several quality parameters also significantly increased (P < 0.05). In the second year, significant improvements persisted for soil pH, SOM, WAS, and key plant yield/growth parameters (P < 0.05). Conclusively, manure application enhanced soil properties and strawberry yield/quality under these challenging conditions, with PCA confirming the significant influence of soil changes on plant characteristics.