2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

How to Reduce Soil pH and Maintain It in a Good Range for Blueberries

Blueberry plants are acid-loving and grow best in soils with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5.  This talk will explain why this is the case and discuss way to keep the soil pH in the optimum range.

Dr. David Bryla, USDA

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM

Practical Approaches to Correcting Irrigation Water pH and Bicarbonate Issues for Blueberries

Many irrigation water sources in the region are high in pH and bicarbonates, which runs counter to the goal of keeping the soil pH and/or salts levels low for blueberries.  This talk will discuss some setups than can be used to acidify water, including an introduction to the use of sulfur burners.

Thomas Ford, Penn State Extension

Kathy Demchak, Penn State University

Dr. David Bryla, USDA

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

Organic Materials for Soil Amendment and Mulching - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

This talk contains recommendations that may differ from your state’s recommendations.  There are differences in soil type and growing conditions between different areas of the country; local recommendations should take precedence as they were developed with your local conditions in mind.

Availability of organic materials and costs differ by region. Blueberries have very specific requirements for which amendments will promote growth and yield. What are the best options before planting? After planting, mulches should also offer good weed control. The best choices, including combinations with weed mat, will be presented.

Dr. Bernadine Strik, Oregon State University

4:00 PM - 4:30 PM

Good Fertilizer Management in Blueberry - Tips for Proper Tissue Sampling and Fertilizer Do's and Don'ts

This talk contains recommendations that may differ from your state’s recommendations.  There are differences in soil type and growing conditions between different areas of the country; local recommendations should take precedence as they were developed with your local conditions in mind.

Proper fertilization in blueberry is important for good growth, yield, and quality. Learn the key factors to consider and what to do and what to avoid when fertilizing. Tips for proper leaf sampling to assess plant nutrient status will be presented as a tool to adjust fertilizer programs.

Dr. Bernadine Strik, Oregon State University