Changes in Soil Chemical Properties of Strawberry, Watermelon, and Tomato-Grown Plastic Film Houses from 2010 to 2019

Abstract

This study was performed to evaluate the chemical properties and soil quality of strawberry, watermelon, and tomato-grown soils in the intensive plastic film houses. Soil testing data (43,288), uploaded on Korean soil information system (http://soil.rda.go.kr) from 2010 to 2019, were analyzed. The study showed that the average values of pH and organic matter (OM) have been maintained under the optimum ranges, whereas electrical conductivity (EC), available phosphate (Avail. P2O5) and exchangeable (Exch.) cations (K, Ca, and Mg) were increased by 1.2 times in strawberry, and 1.3 times in watermelon and tomato. In addition, the soil chemical quality was the lowest in tomato and followed by watermelon and strawberry. Especially, a chemical quality of tomato-grown soils revealed the most rapid decrease until 2019. In order to improve soil environment for strawberry, watermelon, and tomato cultivation under the plastic film houses, a comprehensive soil management technique such as application of rice straw, chelating agent and microbal material, deep tillage, cultivation of hyperaccumulator for salts should be used to reduce the accumulated nutrients, and considering the results of the soil testing, adequate amount of fertilizer, compost, and soil amendment should be supplied to ensure stable crop productivity.