Nutritional requirements of blueberries
Roles of nutrients at key growth stages
Post harvest to New growth or Establishment
Nitrogen - in the ammonium form,, to build reserves in the cane for recycling and subsequent growth of new leaves in the spring
Phosphorus, calcium, boron, and zinc – to maximise strong root development and support new growth
Potassium – for good plant development
Vegetative growth, Leaf expansion
Nitrogen - in the ammonium form, main doses are required at this stage for leaf expansion
Phosphorus - to meet uptake needs through flowering
Potassium – to promote strong leaf growth and build a strong plant development
Sulphur and magnesium - to maintain vigorous, healthy leaf growth and to improve plant supplies
Micronutrients - to ensure photosynthetic growth is not limiting
Flowering to fruit set
Potassium – peak demand for berry development and to build berry quality
Nitrogen - in the ammonium form, in reduced amounts so as not to compromise fruit stability
Phosphorus - to meet uptake needs through flowering
Magnesium - to support new tissue development and boost fruit integrity, reduce disease and maximise shelf life
Boron - for good pollen production, seed formation and fruit set
Other micronutrients - as needed to maintain growth
Fruiting to maturity
Potassium – to maximise fruit quality, particularly TSS, acidity and taste.
Phosphorus - to up levels being redistributed to the fruit
Nitrogen - in the ammonium form, limited quantities to balance other nutrients - excessive N at this stage can spoil fruit, but too little N reduces fruit size
Boron and Calcium - for fruit strength
Related articles
Blueberry basic nutrition principles
Nutritional requirements of blueberries
Blueberry crop nutrition programmes
Recommended Yara fertilisers for blueberries
Fruit agronomy advice
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