ISHS Acta Horticulturae 715: VIII International Symposium on Vaccinium Culture
EFFECT OF ORGANIC MATERIAL ON SOIL PROPERTIES, PLANT GROWTH, LEAF PHOTOSYNTHESIS, NUTRIENT UPTAKE AND MYCORRHIZAL INFECTION OF BLUEBERRIES |
| Authors: | Y. Li, T. Xuedong, W. Lin, Z. Zhang |
| Keywords: | growth, blueberry, organic materials, sulfur |
| Abstract:
Experiments were conducted to elucidate the relationship between soil conditions and growth, leaf photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, and mycorrhizal infection of 3 highbush cultivars. Mineral soils were amended with organic materials and sulfur in the field and in pots. Plant growth was increased by all amendments and elemental sulfur. In the control treatment, growth appeared to be limited by high soil pH. For the sulfur treatment, a decrease in the soil pH with a concomitant increase of elemental sulfur probably stimulated plant growth. For all amendments, plant growth response was probably related to both a decrease in soil pH and an improvement in soil physical conditions. Further, organic materials and sulfur addition influenced leaf photosynthesis, nutrient uptake, root activity, and mycorrhizal infection. The study also showed that it was detrimental by amending soil with sulfur alone, while the mixing of organic materials with sulfur produced better plant growth. Elemental sulfur was effective in increasing soil acidity with the1kg.m-3 rate decreasing pH by 2 units and the 2kg.m-3 rate decreasing pH by 2.7-3 units. | |
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