Management Techniques to Optimize Soil pH and Nutrient Availability in Organic Highbush Blueberry Grown East of the Cascade Range
Project Director
Scott B. Lucas
Year Funded
2019
Award Number
2019-51106-30194
Funded Institution
Oregon State University
Grant Program
ORG (Organic Transitions)
USDA NIFA Report (alternate)
Project Overview
Organic blueberry growers in the semiarid region east of the Cascades struggle to maintain adequate soil organic matter (SOM) and acidic soil pH for blueberry production. This project evaluated pelleted and micronized elemental sulfur (S) amendments with or without irrigation water acidification to maintain desired soil pH, and composted grape pomace (CGP) and biochar to build SOM. Biochar was derived locally from blueberry and orchard prunings pyrolyzed at a low temperature to minimize alkalinity.
Farmer Takeaways
(1) Applying sulfur at the time of blueberry planting versus eight months earlier is equally effective in lowering soil pH and reduces establishment costs.
(2) Acidifying irrigation water with a sulfur burner may not be cost effective.
(3) Incorporating composted grape pomace in lieu of wood chips into beds for planting enhances soil health, crop yields, and net income.
(4) Biochar also improves soil health and blueberry yields but it costs much more than CGP or wood chips.
Project Outputs
Evaluating Organic Inputs for Improving Soil Health in Blueberry Systems | eOrganic Webinar