Research or Extension leader(s):
Strik, Bernadine C., Horticulture, Campus and North Willamette Research and Extension Center
Buller, Gil, Horticulture, North Willamette Research & Ext Cntr
Bryla, David, USDA-ARS, Corvallis
Sullivan, Dan M., Crop & Soil Science, Campus
Other Contributor(s):
James Julian, research assistant; Clark Seavert, superintendent; Wei Yang, associate professor; Nick Andrews, instructor, all at the North Willamette Research and Extension Center. Also, involved are commercial growers and organic field advisors.
research project began:
2006
Description:
Switch to abstract
Blueberries have become a major crop with an estimated 105,145 acres planted worldwide in 2005. Strong markets for processed and fresh fruit have resulted in good returns for growers and an increase in planted area—a trend that is mirrored in Oregon. Although there has not been a detailed survey, including information on organic blueberries, since 2003, with the increasing interest in organic produce, the market for organic blueberries is very strong. Organic blueberry acreage must have at least tripled since the 2003 survey when 480 acres were reported in North America. If growers have good information, production should continue to expand, while rewarding growers with a profit.
In 2006, the Oregon Blueberry Commission listed organic production methods and weed management as top research priorities. With the commission’s input to the Northwest Center for Small Fruits Research, the NCSFR also listed organic management systems as a high-priority research need. As a result, this research was funded by both organizations.
A one-acre organic blueberry trial, certified by Oregon Tilth, was established at NWREC in fall 2006, with the following objectives:
(1) Determine the effect of raised beds (compared to flat ground) on soil and plant water status, plant growth, and weed management options.
(2) Study organic weed management systems for effectiveness and economic feasibility.
(3) Ascertain the effectiveness of organic fertilizer treatments at various rates for yield, plant nutrient status, and growth.
(4) Determine whether early- and a late-fruiting cultivars differ in ease of organic management.
( 5) Develop economic analyses and comparisons among treatments.
Note that this is the first study of its kind in the Pacific Northwest and perhaps the nation. This study is also very timely given that over 1,000 additional acres of blueberries have been planted in Oregon over the last two years, and that there has been a significant increase in organic acreage, along with considerable existing acreage being transitioned to organic. Thus, research findings on impacts of raised bed production; the use of a weed mat, mulch, and compost for weed control; and irrigation requirements will be of benefit to both organic and conventional blueberry growers.
As this research study is in its second growing season, only preliminary findings can be presented in this report. Please see the environmental, economic, and social consequences sections.
The information for this
research project
was last updated on:
10/08/2008
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