THE EFFECTS OF SOIL pH ON THE MINERAL COMPOSITION AND GROWTH OF THE LOWBUSH BLUEBERRY

A greenhouse study of lowbush blueberries using five clonal lines, four different growth media (soil, soil plus sawdust, greenhouse potting compost, and greenhouse seed compost) and various pH levels (from 4.2 to 6.9) showed that growth was affected by additions of dolomitic limestone. Optimum growth occurred at the lowest pH levels (4.2, 4.9, and 5.0) for three of the media and for the seed compost at intermediate levels (4.9 and 5.5). Nutrient uptake, foliar nutrient levels, and pH were closely associated with growth. Although some clones grew more than others the pattern of response to the applications of limestone was similar for all clones.