Response of Blueberry Seedlings to a Range of Soil Types1

Abstract

Abstract The growth and elemental composition of a range of blueberry ( Vaccinium sp.) progenies was greenhousetested on 5 unmulched soils. Three of the soils, low in pH and fertility, represented the physiographic regions of the eastern United States; Coastal Plain, Piedmont, and Appalachian Highlands; also included were a high-pH, high-fertility Piedmont soil and a commercial blueberry Coastal Plain soil. Two studies, 10 and 20 weeks in duration, were made with seedlings of crosses of blueberry clones of hybrid origin. Growth was significantly higher for seedlings grown on the commercial blueberry soil in both studies. V. ashei (rabbiteye) seedlings grew significantly larger than all others when measured over all soil types in one experiment but not the other. There were no significant differences in growth among the 4 progenies when averaged over all soil types. Percent sand was positively correlated with growth while both percent silt and clay were negatively correlated with growth. Plant composition was generally within acceptable levels for Ca, Mg, K, Fe, and Zn. Plant Mn and Al, although variable, tended to be higher than reported values. Soil Mn was significantly and negatively correlated with growth. It was possible to select individual seedlings which grew well on each of the mineral soils represented in the study.