Effects of repeated applications of municipal solid waste compost and fertilizers to three lowbush blueberry fields

Field experiments were initiated in May 1999 and continued through 2002 to investigate the application of municipal solid waste (MSW) compost and fertilizers to lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) fields. Three sites were selected: Debert, N.S. (Truro sandy loam) and two sites near Musquodoboit, N.S. (both Rawdon gravely loamy sands). Treatments at each site were in a randomized complete block design with six treatments (control [no fertilizer], NK fertilizer, NPK fertilizer, and three rates of MSW compost) blocked four times. Compost treatments provided the equivalent of 100, 200 and 400 kg ha−1 of total N. The experimental objectives were to evaluate soil and plant response to the compost and to determine whether it could be used as an alternative to the traditional chemical fertilizers. Yield, soil fertility, and leaf and fruit nutrients were examined following the four years of treatment applications. The MSW compost had a significant effect on pH and soil extractable levels of P, K and Ca, and influenced N and K levels in leaf samples. Fruit yield and nutrient content, except for Mn, were not affected by the treatments. In general, the compost treatments provided equivalent amounts of plant essential nutrients without negatively influencing trace element absorption.