Abstract
The aim of the research was to determine the effect of fertilizers on the pH of former arable soils and on the growth and the yield of the lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.). Lowbush blueberry fertilization experiments were established in 1999 at two locations at Kärla, Saaremaa, West Estonia and at Vasula, Tartu County, South Estonia. Experimental sites were situated on different soils: soil pHKCl at Kärla was 5.5 and at Vasula 6.2. Elemental sulphur and acidifying fertilizers (ammonium sulfate, potassium sulfate and superphosphate) were used in both plantations. Fertilizers were applied based on nutrient in the soil and sulphur was applied at 100 g m2. Plant growth was recorded in 2001, 2002 and 2003. A positive influence of NPK fertilization on yield was found in both Kärla and Vasula, and yield were 336 g and 41 g higher compared to the control, respectively. The vegetative growth and yield of blueberry depended significantly on soil pH. Elemental sulphur increased soil acidity and on loamy sand soil did not increase plant productivity. The sulphur effect on soil pH began to decrease three years after application. Sulphur can be recommended to increase soil acidity in nutrient-rich soil but, not nutrient poor soil with light texture, where only NPK fertilizers were effective.;
Highlights
150 kg N ha–1 and the results obtained indicate that the optimal nitrogen dose for highbush blueberry is about 50–100 kg ha–1 (Smolarz and Mercik 1989).In Norway, highbush blueberry production has many problems
As lowbush blueberry has been used for breeding several half highbush blueberry cultivars, it can be suggested that fertilization recommendations for half-highbush blueberry might be suitable for lowbush blueberry
The question arises: Is it possible to change soil pH suitable for blueberry cultivation merely by using fertilizers at recommended rates? In order to find the solution to the previously discussed problem, the aim of the present research was to evaluate the effect of elemental sulphur and acidifying NPK fertilizers on blueberry plants grown in former arable land with a pH initially too high pH for blueberry
Summary
150 kg N ha–1 and the results obtained indicate that the optimal nitrogen dose for highbush blueberry is about 50–100 kg ha–1 (Smolarz and Mercik 1989).In Norway, highbush blueberry production has many problems. – P%; potassium – K %; calcium – Ca%; magnesium- Mg%) content in lowbush blueberry leaves was determined in the Laboratory of Plant Higher readings were recorded in Vasula in the plots where blueberry bushes were fertilized with sulphur compared to control variant. In 2003 NPK fertilization and S application had no effect on N and P content of lowbush blueberry leaves across sites (Table 3).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
