SETTING UP A PLANTATION

Soil

Blueberry has different requirements from other fruit bearing plants, including a soil acidity of 4 to 5 pH. Indigenous soils having a higher pH value should be acetified with sulphur. 10 kg of sulphur per are is required to reduce the PH of light soils by one degree, and 20 kg for heavier soils. Once the soil has been treated with sulphur, it should be thoroughly tilled with, say, a rototiller The roots will not be able to extract iron from the soil if it is too alkaline. Iron deficiency results in chlorosis of the leaves at their green innervation.

Most of our soils meet the acidity requirements. The situation is far less rosy, however, when it comes to their structure. The vast majority of our soils are too compact. The best locations for blueberry cultivation are acidic peatbogs with relatively low ground water levels. Also suitable are light, well ventilated and sufficiently wet soils that incorporate as much humus as possible. Sandy soils may also be viable, provided they are treated with humus (such as coniferous sawdust) prior to planting. Bushes can be successfully grown in other areas as well, so long as the appropriate agricultural technology is utilised.