May 2022 - 13

PLANT & SOIL HEALTH
Over 37,000 Wind Machines Sold Worldwide!
If a regular soil test indicates nutrient
levels exceed crop needs, limit compost
applications to promote healthy soil
for plant success. Inorganic fertilizers
are compounds that are chemically
synthesized from basic raw materials,
isolated from naturally occurring
sources or mined materials that provide
nutrients. They are less expensive and
have a higher nutrient content. They are
water-soluble and are quickly available to
plants, easy to apply and especially useful
in cool weather.
Blueberries are easily
damaged by excess fertilizer,
which could reduce plant
quality, yield and possibly
cause environmental
concerns.
Care should be taken however, when
using water-soluble fertilizer sources
because they are made of salts that can
burn plants. Also, if over applied and
watered in excessively they can leach
beyond the root zone and end up in
the ground water which impacts water
quality negatively. The nutrient content
(fertilizer analysis) is required on every
bag of commercially available fertilizer.
The first number indicates the percent of
nitrogen (N), the second number is the
percent of phosphate (P2O5), a source
of phosphorus, and the third number is
the percent of potash (K2O), a source
of potassium. They are simply referred
to as N-P-K. A 50-pound bag of 5-10-5
contains 2.5 pounds of N, 5 pounds of
P2O5 and 2.5 pounds of K2O.
The rest of the material is made up
of other inert material, such as sand or
clay granules to help spread the fertilizer.
When nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and
potassium (K) are all needed, a complete
fertilizer that contains all 3 nutrients, for
example: 10-10-10, 5-10-5, or 5-10-10,
can be used.
When establishing blueberry plants,
prepare the soil the year before planting.
If the soil contains less than 3% organic
matter, incorporate peat moss or welldecayed
pine sawdust or bark to improve
plant survival and growth. Apply 3 to
4 inches of the organic material over
the row in a band 18 to 24 inches wide
and incorporate into the upper 6 to 8
inches using a spade or roto-tiller. If
the organic material is incorporated in
the fall, any sulfur required to lower the
pH or recommended phosphorus and
potassium can be added at the same time.
Nitrogen is a key element, however,
it is not recommended for the
planting year except on sandy soils.
Phosphorus (P) is important in early
root development and can improve the
quality of fruits. When phosphorus is
needed, note the proper soil test level
and select a phosphorus fertilizer source.
Potassium (K) increases water efficiency,
improves stress tolerance and the quality
of fruit. Note the soil test level and select
a potassium fertilizer source and apply at
the recommended rate.
The application rate is based on
whether the soil is sandy or finetextured
and more clayey in nature.
Keep in mind that wood ashes contain
potassium (3-7% K2O) and if used
supplemental K will not likely be
needed.
Fertilizing established
plantings
Blueberry plants and their associated
(beneficial) endomycorrhizal fungi can
extract phosphorus and potassium from
the soil efficiently, which allows them to
grow in nutrient-poor soils. Additional
phosphorus and potassium are rarely
needed after the plants are established.
Nitrogen is always needed on established
bushes and should always be applied at
the recommended rate.
Blueberries are easily damaged by
excess fertilizer, which could reduce
plant quality, yield and possibly cause
environmental concerns. Nitrogen
requirements vary with cultivar, plant
age, and presence of organic matter,
mulch, weed pressure or watering
practices. Remember, there is no
benefit to applying more fertilizer than
plants require. In fact, over application
of nutrients may be harmful to plant
growth and the environment.
Sprinkle the fertilizer in a ring around
the bush. Do not work into the soil,
which may damage shallow roots.
Follow the correct nitrogen application
rate and timing for established blueberry
plants. FGN
When one cold night can ruin
an entire year's hard work...
It's best to play it safe.
Since 1967, we have hand-crafted our wind machines with precision
technology. We take pride in the details, which is why growers from
around the world trust Orchard-Rite® wind machines to protect their
mature stock and new plantings from the dangers of frost.
Add ORCell™ to your AutoStart system and remotely operate, monitor
and manage your stationary wind machines from anywhere in the world
with internet connection.
Together Orchard-Rite® wind machines and ORCell™ provide peace of
mind that your crops will always be protected.
A Global Frost Protection Management System
Superior Wind Machine Service, Inc.
616-971-8177 orchard-rite.com
Authorized Distributor of Orchard-Rite® Wind Machines
FGN | MAY 2022 | 13
http://www.orchard-rite.com
May 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of May 2022
