Development of a strawberry transpiration model based on a simplified Penman–Monteith model under different irrigation regimes

Strawberries are water-intensive crops, rendering irrigation management critical for their cultivation. This study comprehensively examined the dynamics of the leaf area index (LAI), transpiration rate, and plant biomass distribution in strawberry cultivation under contrasting irrigation regimes (full [FI] and deficit [DI] irrigation) within a greenhouse environment. By integrating certain parameters, such as solar radiation (Rad), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), and the LAI, we developed a modified Penman–Monteith equation tailored for the soilless cultivation of strawberries. The study utilized direct measurement techniques including soil and plant sensors to quantify the effects of environmental conditions on transpiration. The results indicated that the modified models, which incorporated adjustments for VPD and both Rad and VPD, provided accurate transpiration estimates, with the optimized models’ regression coefficients being notably high in both the FI and DI regimes. Additionally, the results revealed substantial variation in plant biomass partitioning between the two irrigation regimes, suggesting that strategic water management can significantly impact plant structure and productivity. This study underscores the importance of precise irrigation scheduling to enhance water use efficiency and fruit quality in controlled horticultural systems.