Strawberry Production in the Greenhouse in Türkiye

Strawberries are a popular and delicious fruit that is in high demand worldwide. One way to meet this demand is through greenhouse production, which provides a controlled environment that can extend the growing season and improve yield. Türkiye is an ideal location for the greenhouse production of strawberries, due to its favorable climate and geographic location.

Benefits of Greenhouse Production

Greenhouse production offers several benefits over traditional outdoor farming, especially for strawberries. For one, greenhouses provide a controlled environment that can protect plants from extreme weather conditions, pests, and diseases. They also allow for year-round production, which can increase yield and profitability. In addition, greenhouse-grown strawberries are often of higher quality than those grown outdoors, due to the ability to control factors such as temperature, humidity, and light.

Strawberry Production in Turkey

Türkiye is one of the largest producers of strawberries in the world, with a total production of 547,000 tons in 2020/21, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. The country has a long history of strawberry production, and the main strawberry-growing regions are located in the southern and western parts of the country, where the climate is warm and sunny.

One of the key advantages of strawberry production in greenhouses in Türkiye is the ability to extend the growing season. In the southern regions of the country, where temperatures can reach over 30°C in the summer, greenhouse production allows for year-round production, as temperatures can be controlled within the greenhouse. This can lead to higher yields and increased profitability for farmers.

Another advantage of greenhouse production in Türkiye is the ability to produce high-quality strawberries that meet international standards. 

Many of the greenhouse-grown strawberries in Türkiye are exported to European countries, where they are highly sought after for their taste and quality. Russia, the USA, Romania, Iraq, and Germany are known as the countries where Türkiye exports the most strawberries.

Hydroponic Strawberry Production in the Greenhouse in Turkey

As demand for strawberries continues to rise, greenhouse production is likely to become an even more important part of Türkiye's agricultural sector. And of course, hydroponic production, which has emerged recently, has also been reflected in strawberry production.

Strawberry has become one of the most popular fruits in the world thanks to its delicious taste, aroma, and versatility. As exports increase, especially as Türkiye's success in strawberry production increases, farmers prefer to develop their production networks to benefit from the blessings of technology. With the development of modern technology and the need for sustainable agriculture, growers in Türkiye have turned to hydroponic techniques to produce these fruits in a controlled environment. 

Hydroponic strawberry production is becoming more and more popular in Türkiye as it offers many advantages over conventional farming methods. For example, hydroponics uses significantly less water than soil-based agriculture, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option. Hydroponics can also produce higher yields per square meter, enabling farmers to grow more strawberries in a relatively small area. Also, thanks to the controlled environment that greenhouses provide, growers can manipulate growing conditions to optimize plant growth and yield.

Controlled Environment Agriculture in Turkey

Controlled environment agriculture (CEA) is a technology-driven approach to growing crops in a controlled environment, such as a greenhouse or indoor facility. CEA is gaining popularity in Turkey due to the country's harsh climate and the need to increase food production to meet the growing population's needs. With hydroponic strawberry production, CEA provides growers with greater control over temperature, humidity, light, and other environmental factors, which can have a significant impact on crop yields.

Advantages of Hydroponic Strawberry Production in Turkey

Hydroponic strawberry production offers several advantages over traditional soil-based farming, making it an attractive option for growers in Turkey. For one, hydroponics uses up to 90% less water than soil-based farming, making it a more sustainable and environmentally friendly option. Additionally, hydroponics can produce higher yields per square meter, resulting in more efficient use of space. This is particularly important in Turkey, where land is often limited.

Techniques for Successful Hydroponic Strawberry Production

To achieve successful hydroponic strawberry production, growers in Turkey must utilize specific techniques to ensure optimal plant growth and yield. One technique is to use a nutrient-rich growing medium, such as coconut coir or rock wool, to provide plants with the necessary nutrients. Another technique uses a nutrient film (NFT) system, which continuously circulates nutrient-rich water through the plant's roots. Additionally, growers must carefully manage the greenhouse's environment, including temperature, humidity, and light levels, to ensure optimal growing conditions.

Challenges and Considerations for Hydroponic Strawberry Production in Turkey

While the greenhouse production of strawberries has many benefits, it also has potential harm and drawbacks. These include environmental impacts such as energy consumption and pollution, health risks from chemicals and pesticides, high costs, sustainability concerns, and lack of biodiversity. Considering these issues and working towards a sustainable and responsible approach to greenhouse production is essential.

On the other hand, there are also several challenges and considerations that growers in Turkey must consider. One challenge is the initial investment required to set up a hydroponic system, which can be significant. Additionally, growers must ensure that they have a reliable source of electricity and water, which can be a challenge in some areas of Turkey. Finally, growers must carefully monitor and manage the hydroponic system to prevent nutrient imbalances or disease outbreaks.

The Effect of Hydroponic Strawberry Production on Export

Hydroponic strawberry production in a controlled environment is a sustainable and efficient way to grow strawberries in Turkey. With the right techniques and management, growers can achieve high yields of high-quality fruit in a relatively small space. While there are challenges to hydroponic strawberry production, the benefits make it an attractive option for farmers looking to increase their crop yields and reduce their environmental impact.

Especially from small-scale producers to large greenhouse owners, each producer continues to improve themselves in soilless strawberry production. In this way, Turkey's intense strawberry export has increased even more.