Summary
This pot-based experiment evaluated how peat-to-coir ratios and perlite additions influence growth and mineral nutrition in two highbush blueberry cultivars over 3 months. Liberty cultivar showed greatest dry weight in pure peat with progressive decline as coir or perlite increased; Jewel declined with perlite but was unaffected by peat:coir ratio. Perlite effects appeared mediated by water relations, whilst peat and coir differences were likely driven by nutrition and salinity, with peat enhancing uptake of N, P, Mg and S but reducing K, B, Zn and Na.
Regional applicability
The findings are directly relevant to United Kingdom horticulture, particularly protected cropping and container production of blueberries. Substrate selection informed by this research could optimise growth and nutrition in UK glasshouse and polytunnel production systems.
Key measures
Total dry weight; uptake and concentration of N, P, K, Mg, S, B, Zn, Na; substrate pH; media water relations
Outcomes reported
The study measured total dry weight, plant growth responses, and mineral nutrient uptake (N, P, K, Mg, S, B, Zn, Na) in two highbush blueberry cultivars grown in substrates with varying proportions of peat, coir, and perlite.
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