Rajnish Kumar, Satish Yadav, Vijay Krishna Pandey and Sushil Kumar Yadav
Abstract
Strawberries are a high-value fruit crop prized for flavor, aroma, color, and nutritional properties (notably vitamin C and phenolics). Nutrient management - through chemical (mineral) fertilizers and bio- fertilizers/ organic amendments - has major effects on yield and fruit quality. Mineral fertilizers typically boost yield and fruit size but may, depending on rate and balance, alter sugar-acid balance, reduce shelf life, and cause environmental problems. Bio-fertilizers (plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria- PGPR, Azotobacter/ Azospirillum, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi), composts, and vermicompost often improve nutrient use efficiency, enhance sensory and nutritional quality (TSS, vitamin C, anthocyanins), and promote stress tolerance. Integrated nutrient management (combining reduced mineral inputs with bio-fertilizers/organic matter) frequently gives the best combination of productivity, fruit quality, and sustainability. This review synthesizes mechanisms, empirical results, comparisons, and practical implications, and highlights research gaps and future directions.