Author
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Spiers, James |
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Submitted to: Acta Horticulturae
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2001 Publication Date: 3/1/2001 Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: 'Tifblue' rabbiteye blueberry plants were treated with soil amendments of lime, sulfur, and/or phosphorus. Sulfur fertilization resulted in lower soil pH but had little effect on plant growth and fruit yield. However fruit yield and plant growth were greatly reduced by lime fertilization. These findings should be of use to blueberry growers and extension agents. Technical Abstract: A long-term field study indicated the influence of lime, S, and P soil amendments on growth, yield, and leaf nutrient content of 'Tifblue' rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium ashei Reade). The addition of P to the soil did not affect soil content of any mineral except P which was increased but resulted in higher leaf K and lower leaf Ca, Mg, Fe, and Mn concentrations. Potassium, Ca, and Mg were higher in soils which were limed. Leaf elemental content of Ca and Mg was highest in control plants and was reduced by the addition of either lime or S to the soil. No other elements were influenced by these treatments. Fruit yields in 1998 and 1999 were highest in control plants or plants growing with applied soil S. These plants yielded approximately 4 to 6 times more fruit than plants receiving applied lime. |
