Compost to be used for strawberry production should meet all state and federal health and safety standards (e.g., EPA’s Part 503 regulations), as crops are being grown for human consumption. Compost with a pH range of 5.0 to 8.0 may be used for cultivating strawberries. However, products with a pH of between 5.5 and 7.0 are preferred since this narrower pH range is consistent with the optimum soil pH for growing strawberries. The use of composts that are both stable and pass growth -screening tests is essential to optimize plant growth and yield. Soluble salt content of the compost should be low, as strawberries are considered a salt sensitive species. The soluble salt content of the amended soil must be below 1 dS/m to prevent growth suppress and yield reduction. The soluble salt content of the compost/soil blend can be reduced through leaching (irrigation practices). The compost should also be free of weeds.

To help determine appropriate pre-plant and ongoing fertilizer application rates, the content and availability of macronutrients contained in the compost, particularly nitrogen, should be identified. Although composts with high nutrient contents have been successfully used as the sole source of pre-plant nutrients in strawberries production, they should be used with care. Composts containing enough micronutrients (trace elements) to meet the crops annual requirements are also preferred. To improve the handling and application of the compost, its moisture content should be between 35 and 55 percent. Compost passing through a ½ inch screen, or smaller, is preferred to minimize the content of large foreign matter or carbonaceous material in the finished product. However, the preferred product particle size may be somewhat dependent upon the soil texture, the compost feedstock, application rates and the type of spreading equipment used.

CONTACT:
Lewis Flynn
McGill compost sales
910-532-2539 Ext. 28