Progress 10/01/98 to 09/30/04
Outputs
Based on extensive field experimentation, we were able to determine that high-yield cranberry production is supported by moderate rates of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) -- 22 kg/ha and 65-135 kg/ha, respectively. Previous research had shown that 20-55 kg/ha of nitrogen (N) annually is adequate for the common cranberry cultivars and that excessive N was associated with overgrowth and decreased fruiting. However, there was a persistent belief that one could risk higher N rates because a high dose of K would compensate for a N-induced vegetative response. In this project, we showed that this is not true -- adding extra K does not overcome the deleterious effect of excess N. We were also able to show that, at least short-term (3 years), substituting the less expensive chloride salt of potassium (KCl) for the sulfate salt was not detrimental to productivity when used at moderate rates. However, greenhouse studies have shown that very high rates of KCl applied repeatedly
can have extremely negative impacts on cranberry health. In fact, this may be the genesis of the belief that excess K counteracts overgrowth from excess N -- that is, growers were likely using excess rates of KCl, damaging the plants. An additional impact of excessive N use was studied -- as N rate was increased, spring hardiness of flower buds in the cultivar Stevens declined (58, 74, 71, and 88% mortality at sub lethal temperatures with 0, 19, 37, and 75 kg/ha N, respectively). This research demonstrated that increasing input costs by using more fertilizer may also increase water usage cost due to an increased need for early season frost protection. Additional products of this project included an improved protocol for sampling cranberry soil pH; field confirmation of a protocol for lowering soil pH with sulfur to reduce populations of some cranberry weeds; and establishment of a protocol for extending the harvest flood to improve pest management.
Impacts
Based on these findings, >80% of MA cranberry acreage (14,500 acres total) have adopted conservative nutrient management regimes. Growers continue to use N-P-K materials based on required N rate but have reduced N rates (and thus P and K rates). In addition growers have begun to introduce materials with lower P:N ratios. Supplemental use of P and K has declined. Based on the following estimates, growers will experience an overall reduction in fertilizer and frost management costs. Reduced use of K fertilizers: 100 lb/a less material $15/a savings in material, $20/a in application cost Reduced use of N materials: 100 lb/a less material $12-15/a savings in material, $20/a in application cost Total savings in fertilizer: 200 lb/a less material (~10 lb/a less N, ~40 lb/a less K) total savings in fertilizer = $65-70/a Based on less fertilizer use, most can now wait later in the spring to start frost protecting. If they have to protect one less time the savings would be
about $20/a in labor and fuel.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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Progress 10/01/02 to 09/30/03
Outputs
We were able to determine that high-yield cranberry production is supported by moderate rates of P (phosphorus) (22 kg/ha) and K (potassium) (65-135 kg/ha). Previous research had shown that N (nitrogen) rates of 20-55 kg/ha are adequate for most cultivars. However, anecdotes persisted that higher N rates could be used, and if vegetative growth became a problem, the effect of the excess N could be overcome by applications of high rates of K. We were able to show that this is not the case - the adverse effects of excess N were not overcome by high K applications. In addition, we demonstrated that in the short-term (3 years) lower-cost potassium in the chloride form could replace the previous, more expensive standard, potassium sulfate (although longer term use has not been researched). An additional impact of high N usage was studied - as N fertilizer rate increased, spring hardiness of flower buds in the cultivar Stevens decreased (early spring hardiness (-8C) declined
with increasing N dose (terminal bud mortality of 58, 74, 71, and 88% respectively)). This implies that increasing N inputs (and costs) will also lead to increased costs for frost protection. And since sprinkler irrigation is used for this purpose, additional water will be used.
Impacts
Based on these findings the farmers of approximately 80+% of the MA cranberry acreage (14,500 acres) have adopted conservative fertility programs utilizing N-P-K materials and based on an N rate of 30 kg/ha or less. Supplemental use of P and K has become quite rare. Using the information from this project, growers have been able to sustainably reduce fertilizer input and frost management costs in a time when they are experiencing great financial stress.
Publications
- Davenport, J.R., DeMoranville, C.J., Hart, J., Kumidini, S., Patten, K., Poole, A. and Roper, T.R. 2003. Spatial and temporal variability of cranberry soil pH. Acta Hort. (ISHS) 626:323-336.
- DeMoranville, C. J. and Davenport, J. R. 2000. Interaction of potassium form and nitrogen rate: high K is not a cure for excessive N. HortScience 35: 831.
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Progress 10/01/01 to 09/30/02
Outputs
Optimum rates and timing for P and K application in cranberry production - A field experiment was initiated at three locations to study the use of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers applied separately from one another and from nitrogen (N). The treatments that received no P and no K or the highest rates of both P (90 kg/ha) and K (200 kg/ha) had the lowest yield, although differences were not significant. Plots receiving low rates of P and moderate to high rates of K had the greatest yield. High levels of fruit rot (>5%) were associated with the combination of no P and high K. In a separate field study, K application timing appeared to have little effect on production. In a study of K form, yield decline was apparent after 3 years with no applied K, confirming the need for K applications in cranberry production. New plots designed to further examine the efficacy of low P rate (greater than 0 but less than 22 kg/ha) have been initiated - after 2 seasons,
rates of 11-17 kg/ha are associated with greatest yield. Relationship of bog soil pH with cranberry yield, nutrition, and weed populations - S applications to manipulate soil pH were established at 2 sites in 2000 and will be evaluated over 3 years. Initial soil and plant tissue samples have been collected. A survey of soil pH with factors of date of collection, growing region, bog site, within bog variation, and soil depth was conducted. Soil pH was found to vary by location (state), field (site), month of sampling, and sample depth. Soil pH was higher in the deeper sample than in the shallow sample. Soil pH consistently declined from April through August but increased in September to a level equivalent to that in July. Weed surveys and additional investigations of soil pH are planned for 2003. Effects of Cl-containing fertilizers and K-Mg soil amendments on cranberry productivity - Chloride containing K fertilizers had no adverse effect on cranberry yield during the three years
studied. However, 'Stevens' seemed to perform better with K as K2SO4. A K-Mg soil amendment applied at rates up to 560 kg/ha had no effect on cranberry yield or fruit rot. Effect of pest-management floods on cranberry productivity - Fall pest control floods were initiated in 1999 through 2001. Comparisons to date have found no adverse effects on the cranberry plants. Cranberry fruitworm and Rubus sp. were well controlled by post-harvest flooding, fruitworm after 3 weeks, and Rubus only with 4 weeks of flooding. Cranberry winter hardiness, chilling, and breaking of dormancy by cultivar - After 1200 hours of chilling (0-7.2C), plants from a second-year 'Stevens' bed achieved 100% bud break while those from a mature 'Stevens' bed had 10% bud break. Bud break for juvenile and mature 'Howes' after 1200 hours chilling was 65% and 25%, respectively. Some of the differences may be due to higher nitrogen fertilizer use on juvenile plantings. In a comparison of juvenile 'Stevens' receiving 0,
19, 37, or 75 kg N/ha, early spring hardiness (-8C) declined with increasing N dose (terminal bud mortality of 58, 74, 71, and 88% respectively).
Impacts
Results of this project define nutritional and physiological factors that are limiting to the profitable production of cranberries in MA. The focus is on reduction of fertilizer and pesticide inputs and on water conservation. Massachusetts is a highly urbanized State and any practice that reduces inputs into water and/or conserves water resources is to the public benefit.
Publications
- DeMoranville, C. J. 2002. Flower bud hardiness differs in 'Stevens' cranberry with stand age and nitrogen fertilizer application. HortScience 37(3): 443.
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Progress 10/01/00 to 09/30/01
Outputs
Optimum rates and timing for P and K application in cranberry production - A field experiment was initiated at three locations to study the use of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers applied separately from one another and from nitrogen (N). The treatments that received no P and no K or the highest rates of both P (90 kg/ha) and K (200 kg/ha) had the lowest yield, although differences were not significant. Plots receiving low rates of P and moderate to high rates of K had the greatest yield. High levels of fruit rot (>5%) were associated with the combination of no P and high K. In a separate field study, K application timing appeared to have little effect on production. In a study of K form, yield decline was apparent after 3 years with no applied K, confirming the need for K applications in cranberry production. New plots designed to further examine the efficacy of low P rate (greater than 0 but less than 22 kg/ha) have been initiated. Relationship of bog
soil pH with cranberry yield, nutrition, and weed populations - Soil pH sampling has been conducted at cranberry beds throughout the MA growing region; yield comparison is in progress. S applications to manipulate soil pH were established at 2 sites in 2000 and will be evaluated over 3 years. Initial soil and plant tissue samples have been collected. A survey of soil pH with factors of date of collection, growing region, bog site, within bog variation, and soil depth was conducted. Preliminary data suggest that the greatest variability in soil pH is from field to field although both spatial and temporal variability occurs within a field. Weed surveys and additional investigations of soil pH are planned for 2002. Effects of Cl-containing fertilizers and K-Mg soil amendments on cranberry productivity - Chloride containing K fertilizers had no adverse effect on cranberry yield during the three years studied. However, 'Stevens' seemed to perform better with K as K2SO4. A K-Mg soil
amendment applied at rates up to 560 kg/ha had no effect on cranberry yield or fruit rot. Effect of pest-management floods on cranberry productivity - Fall pest control floods were initiated in 1999 and 2000. Yield and plant growth will be compared to unflooded control beds. Comparisons to date have found no adverse effects on the cranberry plants. Cranberry fruitworm and Rubus sp. were well controlled by post-harvest flooding. Following postharvest flooding with a spring floods led to severe reduction in crop, with no additional pest control benefit. Cranberry winter hardiness, chilling, and breaking of dormancy by cultivar - After 1200 hours of chilling (0-7.2C), plants from a second-year 'Stevens' bed achieved 100% bud break while those from a mature 'Stevens' bed had 10% bud break. Bud break for juvenile and mature 'Howes' after 1200 hours chilling was 65% and 25%, respectively. Some of the differences may be due to higher nitrogen fertilizer use on juvenile plantings. In a
comparison of juvenile 'Stevens' receiving 0, 19, 37, or 75 kg N/ha, early spring hardiness (-8C) declined with increasing N dose (terminal bud mortality of 58, 74, 71, and 88% respectively).
Impacts
The purpose of this project is to investigate nutritional and physiological factors that are limiting to the profitable production of cranberries in Mass. The focus is on reduction of fertilizer and pesticide inputs and on water conservation. Massachusetts is a highly urbanized State and any practice that reduces inputs into water and/or conserves water resources is to the public benefit.
Publications
- Roper, T.R., Davenport, J., Hart, J., DeMoranville, C., Poole, A., Planer, T., Kumidini, S. and Larson, B. 2001. Reasons for reducing phosphorus applications. Cranberries 65(2): 22-23.
- DeMoranville, C.J., Sandler, H., Averill, A., Sylvia, M. and Shumaker, D. 2001. Integrated management of cranberry pests using fall and spring floods. HortScience 36(3): 571.
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Progress 10/01/99 to 09/30/00
Outputs
This project has 5 objectives, progress for each follows. 1) Optimum rates and timing for P and K application in cranberry production - A field experiment was initiated at three locations to study the use of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers applied separately from one another and from nitrogen (N). The treatments that received no P and no K or the highest rates of both P (90 kg/ha) and K (200 kg/ha) had the lowest yield, although differences were not significant. Plots receiving low rates of P and moderate to high rates of K had the greatest yield. High levels of fruit rot (>5%) was associated with the combination of no P and high K. In a separate field study, K application timing appeared to have little effect on production. In a study of K form, yield decline was apparent after 3 years with no applied K, confirming the need for K applications in cranberry production. Similar results were found for P in previous research (yield decline when none applied).
2) Relationship of bog soil pH with cranberry yield, nutrition, and weed populations - Soil pH sampling has been conducted at cranberry beds throughout the MA growing region; yield comparison is in progress. S applications to manipulate soil pH were established at 2 sites in 2000 and will be evaluated over 3 years. Initial soil and plant tissue samples have been collected. Weed surveys and additional investigations of soil pH are planned for 2001. 3) Effects of Cl-containing fertilizers and K-Mg soil amendments on cranberry productivity - Chloride containing K fertilizers had no adverse effect on cranberry yield during the three years studied. However, 'Stevens' seemed to perform better with K as K2SO4. A K-Mg soil amendment applied at rates up to 560 kg/ha had no effect on cranberry yield or fruit rot. 4) Effect of pest-management floods on cranberry productivity - Fall pest control floods were initiated in 1999 and 2000. Yield and plant growth will be compared to unflooded control
beds. Comparisons to date have found no adverse effects on the cranberry plants. 5) Cranberry winter hardiness, chilling, and breaking of dormancy by cultivar - After 1200 hours of chilling (0-7.2C), plants from a second-year 'Stevens' bed achieved 100% bud break while those from a mature 'Stevens' bed had 10% bud break. Bud break for juvenile and mature 'Howes' after 1200 hours chilling was 65% and 25%, respectively. Some of the differences may be due to higher nitrogen fertilizer use on juvenile plantings. In a comparison of juvenile 'Stevens' receiving 0, 19, 37, or 75 kg N/ha, early spring hardiness (-8C) declined with increasing N dose (terminal bud mortality of 58, 74, 71, and 88% respectively).
Impacts
The purpose of this project is to investigate nutritional and physiological factors that are limiting to the profitable production of cranberries in Mass. The focus is on reduction of fertilizer and pesticide inputs and on water conservation. Massachusetts is a highly urbanized State and any practice that reduces inputs into water and/or conserves water resources is to the public benefit.
Publications
- DeMoranville, C. and Davenport, J. 2000. Interaction of potassium form and nitrogen rate in cranberry: High K is not a cure for excessive N . HortScience, in press.
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Progress 10/01/98 to 09/30/99
Outputs
This project has 5 objectives, progress for each follows. 1) Optimum rates and timing for P and K application in cranberry production - A field experiment was initiated at three locations to study the use of potassium (K) and phosphorus (P) fertilizers applied separately from one another and from nitrogen (N). No significant difference among the P and K rates and combinations have been found to date. However, some interesting trends are showing up. The treatments that received no P and no K or the highest rates of both P (90 kg/ha) and K (200 kg/ha) had the lowest yield. Plots receiving low rates of P and moderate to high rates of K had the greatest yield. High levels of fruit rot (>5%) was associated with the combination of no P and high K. In a separate field study, K application timing appeared to have little effect on production. In a study of K form, yield decline was apparent after 3 years with no applied K, confirming the need for K applications in cranberry
production. 2) Relationship of bog soil pH with cranberry yield, nutrition, and weed populations - Soil pH sampling has been conducted at cranberry beds throughout the MA growing region; yield comparison is in progress. Weed surveys and S applications to manipulate pH are planned for 2000. 3) Effects of Cl-containing fertilizers and K-Mg soil amendments on cranberry productivity - Chloride containing K fertilizers had no adverse effect on cranberry yield. However, 'Stevens' seemed to perform better with K as K2SO4. A K-Mg soil amendment applied at rates up to 560 kg/ha had no effect on cranberry yield or fruit rot. 4) Effect of pest-management floods on cranberry productivity - Fall pest control floods have been initiated in 1999. Yield and plant growth will be compared to unflooded control beds. 5) Cranberry winter hardiness, chilling, and breaking of dormancy by cultivar - After 1200 hours of chilling (0-7.2C), plants from a second-year 'Stevens' bed achieved 100% bud break while
those from a mature 'Stevens' bed had 10% bud break. Bud break for juvenile and mature 'Howes' after 1200 hours chilling was 65% and 25%, respectively.
Impacts
The purpose of this project is to investigate nutritional and physiological factors that are limiting to the profitable production of cranberries in Mass. The focus is on reduction of fertilizer and pesticide inputs and on water conservation. Massachusetts is a highly urbanized State and any practice that reduces inputs into water and/or conserves water resources is to the public benefit.
Publications
- No publications reported this period
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