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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Poplarville, Mississippi » Southern Horticultural Research Unit » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #73231
Title: EFFECTS OF SOIL FUMIGATION, MULCHING, AND FERTILIZATION ON 'BRIGHTWELL' RABBITEYE BLUEBERRIES

Author
item Spiers, James
item BRASWELL, JOHN - MS COOP EXT SERVICE

Submitted to: Journal Acta Horticulturae
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/12/1996
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Field studies on 'Brightwell' rabbiteye blueberries indicate that soil fumigation, mulching, and organic matter incorporated into the planting hole were all beneficial to plant growth. Fertilization generally increased chlorosis symptoms and reduced growth in young plants. Pine bark was as beneficial as peat moss when incorporated into the planting hole and dis much less expensive. These findings should benefit growers and extension scientists in determining which cultural practices are beneficial or detrimental to young rabbiteye blueberry plants.

Technical Abstract: Two field studies comparing the effects of soil fumigation, mulching, incorporated organic matter, and fertilizer treatments applied to 'Brightwell' rabbiteye blueberry plants were established on a Fluventic Dystrochrept soil in middle Mississippi. Soil fumigation, mulching, and organic matter incorporated in the planting hole increased plant vigor and reduced chlorosis symptoms. Fertilization in general, was detrimental to the vigor of young plants. Chlorosis symptoms were increased by fertilization.