Year: 2025
Type: preprint
Abstract: In acidic soils suitable for blueberry cultivation, P can form insoluble compounds with aluminum and iron, reducing its availability. Blueberry plants rely on root-colonizing fungi to improve P plant uptake, but the root colonization is affected by P chemical fertilization. This study evaluated the impact of various phosphorus fertilization strategies on soil and leaf nutrient concentrations and root fungal colonization at four commercial blueberry farms. Soil and leaf samples were collected monthly during two growing seasons. Root fungi colonization was assessed microscopically using stained root segments. Fertilizer application rates varied among farms, ranging from 40.3 to 100.8 kg P₂O₅·ha¹ annually, and were applied granularly and/or through fertigation. Despite high soil P levels, leaf P concentrations were often below sufficiency thresholds. There was no direct correlation between root fungus colonization and leaf P. However, in the fertigated farm with low soil P concentration, the percentage of area colonized by mycorrhizae showed a positive correlation with soil P levels. In contrast, at high P soil concentrations resulting from high doses of granular fertilizer, a negative correlation was observed. Early August was identified as the optimal sampling period because of the stability of leaf P concentration after the harvest season. Soil K, Ca, Zn, and Mn were positively correlated with soil P. Meanwhile, leaf P was positively related to N, K, S, and Zn and negatively related to Cu and Fe in leaves. It is necessary to reevaluate P soil and leaf tissue sufficiency thresholds for blueberry plants.
Authors: Natalia Espinoza, Jason Lessl, zilfina rubio ames
Institution: University of Georgia
Language: English
Subfield: Plant Science
Domain: Life Sciences
SDG: Zero hunger
Open Access status: gold
OpenAlex ID: W4414987199
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