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A STATECIDE LOOK AT CULTIVATED BLUEBERRIES 



It is no secret that we knew far too little about fertilizing cultivated 

 blueberries. Hovrever, our present reconspendations as to what kind of fertil- 

 izer, how much and when to apply are not entirely guess work. They are 

 based on experimental evidence but this evidence is far too limited for our 

 needs, A nevr project was started this past summer the results of v.liich will 

 give the basic inf onnation needed to answer the questions about fertilizing 

 blueberries vdth more assurance. 



In connection tdth this project leaf samples from blueberry plantings 

 scattered over the entire state were collected. These will be analysed 

 chemically for certain elements and this information used as a basis for 

 further v/orko This state wide svirvey made it possible to get a broad look 

 at how blueberry plantings are being handled and how they are responding. 

 As a result certain observations seen v/orth noting. 



First, Cultivation vs Sod. Many blueberry plantings have been allowed 

 to sod over because of the high cost of labor and machinery to cultivate. 

 Although, the grower may "get by" with sod culture, especially with heavy 

 fertilization and plenty of moisture, in the long run cultivation will 

 probably produce more growth and heavier yields. 



Second, Ilulching vs Cultivation, Vifhere it can be done economically 

 mulching has a distinct advantage particularly the use of sawdust or shavings. 

 In many places the cost is too high to be justified by the benefits obtained. 

 In some plantings the combination of mulching a strip along the rows and 

 cultivation betvreen the rows has proved to be very satisfactory. 



Third, Fertilizer. It was surprising to learn how few growers know 

 hoiT much fertilizer they put on in terms of pounds per acre. In most cases 

 the amount of fertilizer applied is on the light side, especially vfhere 

 plantings are in sod. Inhere nitrogen has been applied in the ammonia fonn 

 the results have been very good. 



Fourth, Pruning. Few grov/ers do an adequate job of pruning. This 

 results in overbearing, small fruit and weakened bushes. 



Fifth, Spacing, iiost plantings are set too close to allow for efficient 

 machine operations when the bushes reach full size. In the plantings set 

 recently wider spacing is generally used. Older plantings present problems 

 in spacing which will require some study on the part of the grower* 



These are some of the important observations made during last summerte 

 blueberry work. They are stated here very briefly. Later some or perhaps 

 all of them v/ill be diso'issed at greater length in "Fruit Notes", 



—John S, Bailey 

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