Optimizing Nutrient Management for Organically Grown Blueberries East of the Cascade Range
Overview
Northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) production east of the Cascade Range is an important contributor to the national supply of organic blueberries. However, native soil conditions are alkaline, have high free calcium content, and low in organic matter. Although growers amend soils to lower pH and provide organic matter, these soil characteristics influence nutrient cycling and availability. Growers need data-driven guidelines on how to optimize nutrient management for their unique growing conditions, but few studies have been conducted in this important region. This project addressed that need with an emphasis on organic nitrogen fertility practices by evaluating the effects of commercially available organic nitrogen fertilizer sources applied at low, medium, and high rates on blueberry yield, fruit quality, and various plant and soil variables. Organic fertilizer nitrogen mineralization dynamics were also characterized via a laboratory incubation study at different temperatures.