Enhancing soil fertility and lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) growth using bio-organic fertilizer

Abstract

Acid soils contain high concentrations of aluminum and ferrous ions, which limit crop growth and the available plant nutrients. The current work was to determine the effects of bio-organic fertilizer (BOF) application on soil quality and the growth of blueberry cultivated in acid soil. A completely randomized block design was arranged, with four doses of BOF (0, 2, 4, and 6 t ha–1 yr–1). Each treatment was carried out with four replicates. In the present work, soil quality properties such as pH, soil organic matter, available phosphorus, total nitrogen, aluminum (Al3+), and iron (Fe2+) were measured. Additionally, the influence of organic fertilizer on the growth of blueberry (plant height, number of shoots, and leaves) was also investigated. The results indicated that both the rates of BOF (4 and 6 t ha−1 yr–1) significantly improved soil organic matter and available phosphorus. Also, BOF application greatly decreased the soil concentrations of Al3+ and Fe2+ compared to the control treatment. Similarly, 12 months after planting, the number of shoots and leaves was improved in the pots with BOF compared to that without BOF addition. From the results of this study, we recommend using BOF as the best measure for enhancing soil health and blueberry growth.