Nova Scotia wild Blueberry soil and leaf nutrient ranges

Abstract

Soil and leaf samples were collected from 44 wild blueberry fields throughout Nova Scotia in 1989-90 and in 1997-98, and analyzed for macro- and micronutrient content. Samples were obtained from sprout fields, in late July and early August, after terminal dieback of terminal leaf buds. Soil and tissue concentrations of P and K were increased by repeated fertilizer applications between the two sample periods, whereas soil pH was decreased. Leaf tissue concentrations of P, Cu, B, Zn and Fe were consistently lower than indicated by the Trevett standards, suggesting that a separate set of nutrient ranges should be adopted for Nova Scotia wild blueberry fields.