Nutrient Requirements, Leaf Tissue Standards, and New Options for Fertigation of Northern Highbush Blueberry

Summary

This review synthesises nutrient requirements and leaf tissue testing standards for Northern highbush blueberry production in Oregon, with a focus on transitioning from granular to liquid fertigation systems. The authors evaluate suitable nitrogen fertiliser sources (ammonium sulfate, ammonium thiosulfate, ammonium phosphate, urea, and urea sulfuric acid) and provide evidence-based recommendations for application frequency, timing, and rates to optimise production whilst avoiding late-season growth flushes vulnerable to frost damage.

Regional applicability

The findings are based on Oregon conditions and may have direct relevance to similar climatic regions in the northern United States. Transferability to the United Kingdom would depend on soil pH management strategies, growing season length, and frost risk profiles; whilst the UK does not have significant commercial Northern highbush blueberry production, principles of fertigation timing and leaf tissue monitoring may inform small-scale or experimental plantings.

Key measures

Leaf tissue nutrient standards; nitrogen application rates and timing; fertigation scheduling; irrigation line placement and spacing

Outcomes reported

The study reviews nutrient requirements, leaf tissue standards, and optimal fertigation strategies for Northern highbush blueberry, including suitable liquid nitrogen sources, application timing, and rates. It provides recommendations for drip irrigation management and discusses emerging practices such as humic acid application and sulfuric acid injection.

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