The determination of plant nutrient content of blueberies grown in different growing media

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine changes in the fruit nutrient content of 10 different blueberry varieties commonly grown in various regions using 3 different growing media (soil (Media 1), peat (Media 2) and commercial cocopeat (Pellemix) (Media 3). In the study, 2-year-old seedlings of Bluegrop, Bluegold, Bluejay, Chandler, Darrow, Duke, Jubilee, Patriot, Brigitta and Elliott varieties were used as well as the yield and mineral nutrient content of berry samples. The study was conducted between 2021 and 2023. According to the results obtained; It was determined that the average yield varied between 561.8 g and 1386.6 g depending on the difference in variety. Blueberry fruits contain the most nitrogen and potassium. Nitrogen content of berries was 80.6 to 221.7 mg 100 g-1, phosphorus content was 16.9 to 25.9 mg 100 g-1, potassium content was 50.3 to 76.5 mg 100 g-1, Ca content was 10.41 to 22.01 mg 100 g-1, Mg content was 5.11 to 10.03 mg 100 g-1, Na content was 2.32 to 7.67 mg 100 g-1, Fe content was 0.390 to 0.592 mg 100 g-1, Mn content was 0.161 to 0.503 mg 100 g-1, Cu content was 0.067 to 0.349 mg 100 g-1, Zn content was 0.166 to 0.329 mg 100 g-1, B content varied between 0.032 and 0.109 mg 100 g-1. Considering the yield and plant nutrient content obtained in the study, it was seen that the organic growing media evaluated as Media 2 gave the best results. Differences of the varieties were evaluated in relation to variety characteristics.