ISHS Acta Horticulturae 446: VI International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture
NITRIFICATION RATES IN MICHIGAN BLUEBERRY SOILS |
| Authors: | Eric J. Hanson, M. Mandujano |
| Keywords: | ammonium, nitrate, nitrogen, Vaccinium corymbosum |
| Abstract:
Nitrification rates were compared in commercial blueberry fields and similar non-cultivated soils, to determine the relationships between nitrification, cropping history, and pH. Soils were collected from 16 commercial fields that ranged in pH from 3.5 to 5.3, and from wooded areas adjacent to commercial fields. Soil nitrate and ammonium levels were measured before and after a 30 day incubation at 24C. All cultivated soils contained higher initial and final nitrate levels than adjacent non-cultivated soils. Net nitrate production during incubations was nearly always higher in cultivated soils. Average pH was lower in cultivated soils (4.45) than non-cultivated soils (4.67). Final nitrate levels and net nitrate production were negatively correlated with pH. | |
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