Case Study on Strawberry Response to a Low-Cost Vertical Farming System Suitable for Urban Horticulture

Abstract

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a high-value fruit rich in vitamin C with notable anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial properties. Although strawberries are predominantly cultivated under open-field conditions, soil-based production is declining due to the increasing prevalence of soil-borne pests and diseases, which are difficult to manage in the absence of regulated soil sterilization methods. In the present study, a low-cost vertical farming system was developed using 90 mm PVC pipes arranged in a three-tier frame structure and maintained under partial shading (50% shade-net) to create a semi-controlled microclimate, with soil used as the primary growing medium. Results indicate that strawberry plants require partial shading during the vegetative stage, which promotes leaf development by reducing transpiration stress and improving moisture retention. Subsequent removal of the shed at the onset of flowering was found to enhance floral initiation and increase the number of flowers per plant, likely due to improved light availability. This stage-specific light management combined the advantages of open-field and protected cultivation, resulting in improved vegetative and reproductive performance. Overall, plants exhibited higher numbers of leaves, flowers, and fruits, leading to appreciable yield under the system, indicating its suitability for adoption in urban horticultural production.