Blueberry plants have their most critical stage when they are in the greenhouse. If the plant does not develop well at this point, it will not have the same productive yields as a well-kept plant when it reaches the plantation. At this time when the situation created by the coronavirus can alter work routines or make them less intense, it is advisable to maintain certain guidelines in the greenhouse not to affect the plant’s quality.
In this post, we give some tips to the producer about plant cares to consider in these months and subsequently achieve a successful project.
Acclimatisation
The acclimatisation phase is very important and begins with the transportation of the blueberry plant and its first days in the plantation. The young plant has to adapt to the new climate, and, above all, it has to arrive in the best conditions so as not to waste days in acclimatisation.
Form our experience as experts on blueberry productions, the curl of the roots that cause the death of the plant, in some varieties more than others, is a consequence of the poor development of the plant in the greenhouse. Plants with a good root system and no root rot must reach the crop. Therefore, it is recommended that the plant comes with leaves and that it does not have diseases.
Soil
The soil is no longer a limitation since we have developed optimal substrates for the soilless cultivation of blueberries. There are soils that are not suitable for growing blueberry plants. In those cases, the producer can either choose to establish a blueberry crop out of soil, or incorporate peat into the soil, which allows obtaining high yields, especially in neutral or basic soils. This is our solution portfolio for blueberry soilless production.
Water
Sometimes, water is a limiting factor in some growing areas. That is why we recommend installing osmosis machines if the crop has an electrical conductivity (EC) close to 1 mS / cm or above 1 mS / cm. It is difficult for a blueberry plant to have a good development and define a fertilization program that allows it to produce quality fruit, with a good size and a high number of kilos.
Acidic pH
To achieve an acidic pH if the blueberry plantation is carried out directly in the soil, we recommend applying the Projar’s solution Blend Berries based on white peat. This solution will increase the presence of organic matter in the soil and improve the development of the plant. In this way, the growth of the plant will be faster and that its root system will develop better. In consequence, the plant will increase its productivity with more kilos of fruit per plant and, therefore, will mean more profitability for the farmer.
Regarding the physical characteristics of the soil, the blueberry plant should not be planted in clay soils with high water-holding capacity. And regarding the chemical characteristics of the soil, we recommend soils with a low pH and avoid soils with a high concentration of bicarbonates and high EC..
If you need technical advice about your blueberry production, please contact us. We will help to improve your blueberry production in soil or to start up a successful soilless production.