Agricultural Research in New Hampshire 39 



The Development of Low-bush Blueberry Fields 



Commercial fertilizer of a 7-7-7 strength was applied on larger areas 

 than formerly. The residual effect of 7-7-7 fertilizer one and two years 

 previous was considerable as noted by plant growth and fruit production 

 compared to check plots. Plots were treated with fertilizers (5-10-10) 

 lower in nitrogen and higher in phosphorus and potassium than in pre- 

 vious work. On other plots, a 7-7-7 fertilizer plus magnesium, calcium, 

 and boron were applied. 



In the weed control plots cutting at various times was practiced. Ap- 

 parently July cuttings were more successful in killing the weeds and 

 sprouts than later cuttings. Oil was used in burning some plots, but was 

 not too satisfactory. Blueberry plants on which sawdust has been ap- 

 plied for two years are not as productive as untreated plants. 



Selections of outstanding low-bush clons were transplanted into cul- 

 tivated fields and were used for cross-pollination with the hope of cross- 

 ing the low- and high-bush varieties. 



W. W. Smith 



Ecological Factors Associated with 

 Successful Low-bush Blueberry Production 



Observations were made of the blueberry areas involving a correla- 

 tion of soil, topographical features, and associated plant growth with the 

 general productivity of the area. The plant particularly associated with 

 good blueberry areas is spruce. It was noted that in the southern part 

 of the state the northern slopes furnished better blueberry areas than did 

 southern slopes and that most successful blueberry pastures are at eleva- 

 tions of 1200 feet or more. The soil type in the most successful areas 

 seemed to be a sandy or gravelly loam type. The pH of 4.5 to 5.5 was 

 also associated with good blueberry production. Experimental plots 

 were established in several parts of the state where blueberries are not 

 commercially important, but because of the presence of blueberry plants 

 and other desirable features which indicate potential blueberry produc- 

 tion it seemed probable that they might become productive. 



W. W. Smith 



ORNAMENTALS 



Carnation 



Two and one-half benches of carnations were planted to continue 

 previous tests of carnation varieties. The plants used in this experiment 

 were obtained by taking cuttings from December to February, flatted 3" 

 x 3", and grown in a carnation temperature until late April. The flats were 

 moved to coldframes and were benched from flats the first week in June. 

 The plants were given the recommended cultural practices of feeding, 

 temperature and spraying. Production records for the 16 varieties fol- 

 low: 



