Articles
HIGH-DENSITY BLUEBERRY PLANTINGS IN FLORIDA
Article number
446_40
Pages
265 – 270
Language
Abstract
High-density highbush blueberry plantings (4,000 to 7,000 plants per hectare) have been established by growers in Florida in an effort to maximize yield per hectare and minimize years to full production.
High yield per hectare is important because of high costs for land, soil amendments, freeze protection and bird protection.
The plantings are made on deep, well-drained sand.
In one planting design, a layer of chopped pine bark 15 cm deep is applied in a band 6 m wide down the field.
Four rows of blueberries are planted on this band, 100 cm between plants in rows and 150 cm between rows.
A driveway 3 m wide separates adjacent bark beds.
The roots are planted in the bark, not in the soil beneath.
Overhead irrigation is provided to protect flowers and fruit from freezes.
The plants are pruned severely each year after harvest, usually in June.
This keeps them small and promotes growth of wood that will fruit the following year.
For plantings made in December, full yields (7,000 kg/ha/yr.) are expected in 3.5 years.
Factors that favor this system in central Florida include an abundance of excessively-drained soil, ample supplies of pine bark, and a long growing season that permits annual fruiting despite severe annual summer pruning.
High yield per hectare is important because of high costs for land, soil amendments, freeze protection and bird protection.
The plantings are made on deep, well-drained sand.
In one planting design, a layer of chopped pine bark 15 cm deep is applied in a band 6 m wide down the field.
Four rows of blueberries are planted on this band, 100 cm between plants in rows and 150 cm between rows.
A driveway 3 m wide separates adjacent bark beds.
The roots are planted in the bark, not in the soil beneath.
Overhead irrigation is provided to protect flowers and fruit from freezes.
The plants are pruned severely each year after harvest, usually in June.
This keeps them small and promotes growth of wood that will fruit the following year.
For plantings made in December, full yields (7,000 kg/ha/yr.) are expected in 3.5 years.
Factors that favor this system in central Florida include an abundance of excessively-drained soil, ample supplies of pine bark, and a long growing season that permits annual fruiting despite severe annual summer pruning.
Publication
Authors
P.M. Lyrene, J.G. Williamson
Keywords
Vaccinium, plant spacing
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