Growing media pH and nutrient concentrations for fostering the propagation and production of lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.)
Citation
13th International Vaccinium Symposium Halifax
Plain language summary
Lingonberries, known for their health benefits and ability to grow in cold areas, can be tricky to grow because getting the soil's acidity (pH) and nutrients just right is important. In a study, lingonberry plants were grown in two types of soil with different acidity levels. They were also given various amounts of fertilizers (NPK) over seven months. The study found that plants in slightly less acidic soil (pH 6.5) grew 27% bigger and taller than those in more acidic soil (pH 5.2). The amount of fertilizer also mattered; plants did best with a moderate amount of fertilizer and didn't grow as well with too much or too little. Interestingly, plants grew more roots than shoots (the above-ground part of the plant), and too much fertilizer was worse for the plant's growth, especially in the less acidic soil. The study showed that while lingonberries can grow in soils with a pH less than 6.5, it's not ideal. They do well with a moderate amount of nutrients, and too much fertilizer can actually harm them, leading to higher death rates when fertilizer levels are too high. This suggests that lingonberries are pretty tough and low-maintenance but don't like to be overfed.
Abstract
The lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.), recognized for its nutritional value and adaptability to cold climates, faces cultivation challenges, particularly in soil pH and fertility optimization. In a greenhouse study, lingonberry transplants were grown in media with pH levels of 6.5 (3:1:1 PRO-MIX BX/peat moss/perlite) and 5.2 (2:1 peat moss/perlite). Seven months post exposure to different media pH, various fertility treatments (NPK) were tested, including a control (0-0-0), a balanced 5-5-5 mix, a standard 36-24-48 kg ha-1 rate, and both higher (up to 63-42-84 kg ha-1) and lower (down to 9-6-12 kg ha-1) rates, applied every three weeks for 19 weeks across six replications with a standard micronutrient rate. Results showed that media pH significantly affected plant height and volume, with plants at pH 6.5 growing 27% taller and larger than at pH 5.2. Fertility levels influenced plant volume, peaking at a moderate fertility rate (18-12-24) before declining at higher rates. Root biomass was consistently 1.2-2.3 times greater than shoot dry biomass, with pH and fertility interactions significantly impacting shoot biomass, particularly higher fertility rates (above 36-24-48) had a more pronounced negative impact on shoot biomass at pH 6.5 than at 5.2. Fertility treatments decreased root fresh biomass without a consistent effect across different rates, and neither pH nor its interaction with fertility significantly influenced root biomass. The pattern of total biomass mirrored that of root biomass, with the control showing the highest root-to-shoot ratio but without a clear trend across fertility levels. Fertility had a more pronounced effect on lingonberry growth than pH, with mortality rates increasing sharply at fertility rates above 18-12-24, peaking at 21-35%. Despite lingonberries' ability to survive at pH below 6.5, such conditions are suboptimal. These results indicate that lingonberries are resilient and low-maintenance, requiring modest nutrient levels, and excessive fertilization hampers their growth.