Strawberry picking season is at its peak - Apex of Strawberry Picking Season Reached
Strawberry Production Gains Momentum in Bavaria
Strawberry harvesting is in full swing across Bavaria, despite cooler temperatures this May. According to Benedikt Ganger, a member of the Bavarian Fruit Growers' Association in Munich, the pace of harvesting is picking up.
To make the work less taxing for farmers, there has been an increase in the use of raised beds, or soil-less cultivation in technical terms. In this method, metal frames are installed under greenhouse tunnels, with strawberry plants growing at approximately 1.3 meters off the ground. Benedikt Ganger cultivates strawberries across 45.5 hectares of land in Niedermotzing (Landkreis Straubing-Bogen), of which 5.5 hectares are soil-less. While initial investment is required for the frames, soil-less cultivation offers advantages such as optimal working conditions for employees and reduced susceptibility of plants to diseases and slug infestations.
Despite the setbacks caused by cold and dry weather in May, strawberry plants grow optimally when night temperatures are around eight degrees. However, they are sensitive to frost, necessitating nightly protection for freestanding plants with fleece during extremely cold nights.
The traditional strawberry harvesting season starts in early May and continues until August. However, with the implementation of protected cultivation, German strawberries can now be harvested as early as mid-April and last until November. Protected cultivation refers to strawberries grown in greenhouses, often heated with waste heat from biogas plants, and strawberries grown beneath greenhouse tunnels.
Labor challenges are a recurring issue for strawberry farmers, with the difficulty of finding harvest workers becoming increasingly apparent. Rising costs associated with minimum wage and energy tend to impact prices. To tackle these issues and secure the future of strawberry cultivation in Germany, farmers are making investments in protected cultivation and infrastructure like soil-less frames.
It is worth noting that while the specific impact of soil-less strawberry cultivation in Landkreis Straubing-Bogen is not readily available, research has shown both advantages and challenges associated with soil-less technologies in agriculture. Advantages include increased efficiency, year-round production, and water conservation, but hurdles such as initial investment, energy consumption, water management, and pest/disease control also need to be managed effectively. To address these challenges and harness the benefits of soil-less strawberry cultivation, farmers in Landkreis Straubing-Bogen may look to invest in modern technology, collaborate with agriculture experts, and cultivate strong relationships with local markets.
- Embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes sustainability and innovation, Bavarian farmers are adopting a community policy of transitioning towards soil-less strawberry cultivation in home-and-garden settings, promoting better working conditions, disease resistance, and water conservation for a healthier environment.
- To attract and retain workers in the food-and-drink sector, farmers are investing in infrastructure like soil-less frames and protected cultivation methods, offering a year-round, efficient strawberry production that can cater to diverse tastes and food preferences in the community, ultimately enhancing the local environment and lifestyle.
