Organic Production Systems in Northern Highbush Blueberry

Organic production systems in northern highbush blueberry - After 14 years of research what are the best choices for growers?
This webinar was recorded on December 1, 2021. Bernadine Strik and Amanda Davis, Oregon State University. 'Find a slide handout at eorganic.org/node/35124
The northwest (Oregon and Washington) is the largest growing region for blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) in the USA, accounting for 35% of the total harvested area and 62% of total production in 2020. Long-term research on organic systems for blueberry has been conducted in western Oregon since 2006. Outcomes from trials have had significant impact on production leading to over 20% of the total blueberry area in Oregon and Washington certified organic, and production of 77 million lb (65% of USA organic production). In this presentation the key soil and mulch requirements for blueberry will be highlighted, including use of pre-plant amendments. Important results from research trials will be presented including a 10-year study (2006-2016) comparing planting method, fertilizer source and rate, and mulch in ‘Duke’ and ‘Liberty’.
Cumulative yield was 22% greater on raised beds than flat in ‘Liberty’ but was not affected in ‘Duke’. On average, yield was 4% greater with the low than the more typical high rate of fertilizer and ‘Duke’ produced 35% less yield with fish than feather meal fertilizer. Mulch had no effect on yield of ‘Duke’, but ‘Liberty’ produced 11% more yield with weed mat than the other mulches. Only cultivar affected fruit quality. Weed mat decreased weed management costs by up to 75%, but reduced soil organic matter, and increased irrigation requirement and vole presence. Weed mat has become the most common mulch used in the region. Fertilization with fish and using compost, both containing potassium (K), increased leaf K levels reducing yield in ‘Duke’. Growers adopted using lower rates of fish, improving yield and saving up to $800 per acre. In a follow-up study, existing weed mat was replaced and added over the existing organic mulches and soy-protein based fertilizer was used starting in 2017. Stopping use of compost and fertilization with K improved yield in the mature plants by up to 50% in the 4-year study. Adding weed mat over organic mulches improved yield compared to weed mat over bare soil. Yields similar to those of conventional production are possible, however, choice of production system had significant impact on yield, returns, and long-term sustainability.
Dr. Bernadine Strik is a Professor of Horticulture at Oregon State University. Her research, extension, and teaching programs focus on physiology, pruning, nutrition, and organic and conventional production systems of berry crops. Bernadine is a world-renowned berry crop expert with over 250 scientific research papers and book chapters published. Dr. Strik is an ASHS Fellow, an OSU Alumni Association Distinguished Professor, and is a Fellow of the International Society for Horticultural Science. In 2021, Bernadine was presented the Duke Galletta Award from the North American Blueberry Council for her high-impact horticultural research in blueberry.

[@Shadow_B4nned]

Lots of good info there. I'm going to try just using the weed eater around the plants this year instead of covering the rows. Maybe a little pine bark around the crown,. I figure, if you're going to do a do weed eater around the weed mat, you might as well just weed eat around the bushes and not bother with the mat.

[@kevinlane7555]

RIP Bernadine Strik

[@littlerootsranch]

This is amazing, thank you.

[@bmaine21]

awesome information

[@tulsiramdagur9580]

Very Nice and useful nolej

[@tulsiramdagur9580]

Thenks you

[@sammyboyde6489]

Great presentation, Thank You.
I am planning on planting in pine bark fines with perhaps an addition of some type of OM to raise the ph a bit. With my rudimentary ph tester, an Apera bulb type, I am getting readings of 4.0, which would be too low for BB. I am sending samples and mixes with peat out to be tested at U of Del, to be sure of the reading. These beds are being prepared for next spring's planting.
These pine fines are somewhat composted, appear near black in color when wetted and have about the same texture as peat with larger pieces mixed in. I anticipate the drainage will be a bit too good so I need to add some moisture holding capability.
Would you have an idea of what moisture holding, organic, high OM amendment I might be able to incorporate with the fines to raise the ph a bit?
I plan on doing drip, granular and foliar, possibly fertigation.
Thank You, Any Help is Appreciated,
Sammy

[@agnesezogota2953]

Amanda, are there some results on humin acid? Does it help with microbs?