Summary
This pot study evaluated how nitrogen form (nitrate versus ammonium) influences vegetative growth and nutrient partitioning in southern highbush blueberry. Nitrate fertilisation increased leaf, stem, and root biomass and enhanced carbon partitioning to new shoots compared to ammonium, despite no difference in total nitrogen uptake between treatments. The findings suggest that although blueberry nitrate uptake may be restricted relative to ammonium uptake, this does not constrain vegetative growth or concurrent carbohydrate availability for nitrogen assimilation.
Regional applicability
This controlled laboratory-based study using simplified growing media and hydroponic methods does not directly transfer to United Kingdom field conditions or commercial blueberry cultivation. However, the findings on nitrogen form preference may inform fertiliser selection strategies for UK blueberry growers, particularly those using acid substrates or organic systems.
Key measures
Leaf, stem, and root dry weights; total 15N uptake; whole plant and root 15N concentrations; carbon partitioning to shoots and other plant parts
Outcomes reported
The study measured nitrogen uptake, nitrogen and carbon partitioning, and dry biomass accumulation in blueberry plants fertilised with different nitrogen forms (nitrate versus ammonium) over 12 months.
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