Development of a soilless growing system for blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum): nutrient demand and nutrient solution

Although the majority of blueberries in The Netherlands are soil grown, interest in soilless culture has increased recently. Modern cultivation with high yield and fruit quality needs maximum control of growth and crop development, which is expected to be achieved with irrigation and nutrient management. At the same time, reduction of nutrient losses is an important issue for all crops. Both aspects are realized more easily in soilless culture systems than in soil. The research discussed here focused on nutrient demand and the development of a specific nutrient solution for blueberry. Valuable information was gained on nutrient demand, from which a standard nutrient solution was developed and fine-tuned. Compared to all other substrate-grown crops, the total nutrient demand by blueberry was low, especially for K. The results did not show any clear shifts in nutrient uptake ratios during the growing season. Uptake of Na and Cl were very limited, suggesting that high-quality irrigation water is needed for profitable soilless production of blueberry.