Seasonal Changes in Leaf Mineral Content May Affect Foliar Diagnostic in Strawberry

This research was carried out to investigate the evolution of leaf mineral levels in strawberry plants during the production cycle in Southern Spain. Results revealed significant seasonal changes in composition for all macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S) and most micronutrients (Fe, Zn, B, and Mo), only Mn and Cu showed stable levels during the cycle. In addition, we observed consistent nutrient dynamics during the cycle, with maximum contents at the beginning of the season (October-December) which gradually decreased to minimum levels at the end of the cycle (May-June). This did not occur for Ca, Fe and B, which showed the opposite dynamics. We have also noticed that normal ranges for interpretation of strawberry leaf analysis cited in the bibliography were not adapted to new cultivars grown in Southern Spain conditions.