ISHS Acta Horticulturae 810: IX International Vaccinium Symposium
THE ECONOMICS OF ESTABLISHING BLUEBERRIES FOR ORGANIC PRODUCTION IN OREGON–A COMPARISON OF WEED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS |
| Authors: | B. Strik, G. Buller, H. Larco, J. Julian |
| Keywords: | Vaccinium corymbosum, weed mat, landscape fabric, weed control, raised beds, sawdust, mulch, cost of production |
| Abstract:
The objectives of this study were to determine the cost of establishing a highbush blueberry field for organic production in western Oregon. The research plot, at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC), Aurora, Ore., had a Willamette Silt Loam soil with an organic matter content of 3.7% and pH of 4.9 prior to planting on 9 October 2006. The treatments compared for cost of production in "year 0" (2006; planting preparation) and "year 1" (2007; first growing season) were: i) planting into raised beds or on "flat ground"; ii) the cultivars Duke and Liberty; iii) the weed management treatments a) Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb]. Franco) sawdust mulch and weed management by hand, b) compost plus sawdust mulch with weed management using acetic acid and hand control as needed; and c) landscape fabric with sawdust mulch in the planting hole; and iv) method and rate of fertilization: feather meal or liquid fish fertilizer at 25 or 50 kg N/ha. The total costs of land preparation, planting establishment, and maintenance after year 1 ranged from US$ 30,311 to $ 35,534 per hectare depending on treatment. Raised beds increased costs $ 1,263, on average, compared to planting on flat ground. Adding compost to the mulch increased costs $ 976 in flat ground and $ 1,156 in raised beds for materials and labor to apply, but also increased weed management costs by $ 1,519 due to higher weed pressure and use of acetic acid. Cost differences between weed management and fertilizer treatments may change as the planting matures, weed pressure changes, and we learn more about fertilizer requirements and best timing/frequency of application in this organic system. | |
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