EFFECT OF FERTILIZATION ON THE LOWBUSH BLUEBERRY PRODUCTIVITY AND FRUIT COMPOSITION IN PEAT SOIL

Abstract

The aim of the research was to study the effect of different fertilizers on the productivity and fruit composition of lowbush blueberry (Vaccinum angustifolium Ait.) cultivated in abandoned peat pits. The experiment was established in 2000 with two-year-old seedlings on cutover peat field in North Estonia (59° 9′N and 25° 19′E). The soil type in the experimental area was Fibric-Dystric Histosol and the cutover peat layer was more than 1.0 m thick. Total yield, fruit weight, fruit titratable acidity, soluble solids, ascorbic acid and anthocyanin content were determined. The effect of fertilization on the ascorbic acid content was different in 2004–2005. Liming increased fruit anthocyanin content in both years when nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were applied at the rate of 0.8, 2.0 and 7.2 g m−1, respectively. Application of the same fertilizer rate without liming, produced sweeter fruits. Thus, research results indicated that fertilization of lowbush blueberries on cutover peat fields is necessary and in order to get high quality yield, the right fertilization rate is important.