Influence of liming and fertilization on lowbush blueberry in harvested peat field condition

The objectives of the study were to determine: (a) if the addition of lime reduces the peat soil acidity to a suitable level for lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) plant growth and yield formation; (b) if the fertilizer rates used create favourable conditions for plant growth on peat soil; and (c) if the nutrients uptake will be sufficient for the lowbush blueberry plant growth in changed soil conditions. The experiment was set up in early spring 2000 on the harvested peat field of the Tartu region, South Estonia (58° 22′N, 26° 43′E). The soil type on the experimental area is Fibric–Dystric Histosol. In the experiment the complex fertilizer and limestone powder were used. The use of a mineral fertilizer increased the growth of blueberry plants significantly. Liming reduced soil acidity but decreased blueberry vegetative growth and increased weed numbers. In the given experiment the strongest blueberry bushes developed with the pHKCl level of 2.5–2.7. General recommendations are to fertilize lowbush blueberries on peat fields every year with a small amount of mineral fertilizer to secure stabile annual productivity of plants. In the plantations of lowbush blueberry on harvested peat fields one should be careful with the use of limestone.

• Lowbush blueberry has proved as a good plant for restoration of harvested peat fields.
• Lowbush blueberry will tolerate a much lower pH level of soil than it has been generally accepted.
• Liming of blueberries on harvested peat fields is not recommended.
• Liming decreases vegetative growth of blueberry plants and induces growth of weeds on peat soil.
• Fertilization of blueberries on peat soil is needed for better plant growth.