Corroboration for the successful application of humified olive mill waste compost in soilless cultivation of strawberry

• Composted Olive Mill Waste (COMW) was tested as substrate for strawberry soilless cultivation.
• COMW replaced peat moss and supplied nutrients for optimal plant growth.
• Strawberry varieties differed in their abilities to tolerate substrate salinity.
• Spring production of strawberries showed indicators of good taste and shelf life.
• Spent COMW, still containing humified carbon, is suitable for recycling in agriculture.

The findings presented in this paper have shown conclusively that composted olive mill waste (COMW), characterized by its relatively high humus content, contributed to producing an economically sustainable and fit-for-purpose growing medium for soilless cultivation of strawberries. In so doing, it has also shown to be a successful replacement for the commonly used and expensive peat moss. The capacity of COMW to transport nutrients essential for the growth of different varieties of strawberries was indicated by the optimum levels of nutrients such as N, K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu recorded in petioles and leaf blades. The relatively high amount of nutrients left over in the substrate at the end of cultivation meant that it can be recycled as organic matter in different agricultural practices.