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Crop Code No. 074

 

 

 

 

 

Strawberries and Blackberries

 

 Soil Groups 1, 2, 3, or 4

 

 

 

Desired pH 6.0 – 6.5

Phosphorus

Potassium

 

Low

Medium

Sufficient

High

Excessive

 

Pounds of N-P2O5-K2O per acre

Low

#-  80-180

#-80-120

#-80-60

#-80-30

#-80-0

Medium

#-  60-180

#-60-120

#-60-60

#-60-30

#-60-0

Sufficient

#-  30-180

#-30-120

#-30-60

#-30-30

#-30-0

High

#-    0-180

#-  0-120

#-  0-60

#-  0-30

#-  0-0

Excessive

#-    0-180

#-  0-120

#-  0-60

#-  0-30

#-  0-0

#see comments

COMMENTS (1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 28, 105, 251, 252, 650, 652, 653)

9  Apply 10 lbs sulfur per acre, or sufficient sulfur-containing fertilizer to supply this amount.  (For Soil Codes 1 and 2)

28  This is a boron sensitive crop.  Apply 0.5 lbs boron per acre in fertilizer.  (Recommended when soil test boron is less than 3.0 lbs per acre)

251  Plasticulture:

Fall fertilization: broadcast and shallowly incorporated into the soil prior to bedding and laying plastic mulch.  Apply 60 lbs nitrogen per acre in any form desired (however, do not use sulfur-coated urea or other slow release materials) and all of the phosphate and potash.  Recent work has shown significant yield response to additions of 60 lbs phosphate per acre pre-plant in the fall even on soil testing excessive in phosphorus.  No response has been noted to drip-applied phosphate in the spring.  Also, no response has been noted to additions of potash greater than 120 lbs per acre with plasticulture even on sites testing in the low range.

Spring fertilization: apply 30 to 60 lbs nitrogen per acre through the drip system at no more than 1.0 lbs nitrogen per acre per day based on petiole nitrate analysis.  The start and frequency of these applications is determined by twice monthly analysis of strawberry petioles.  Begin petiole analysis shortly before major bloom occurs.  Also, leaf tissue analysis can be used to gauge other nutrient element needs.  Your local Extension agent can provide guidance and bags for these analyses.  No benefit has been observed from application of phosphate or potash in the spring.

Dryland: apply 120 lbs nitrogen per acre in split applications.  Broadcast one-third of the nitrogen, all the phosphate and potash, and any lime recommended, prior to setting plants and work into the soil.  For spring planting, apply one-third of the nitrogen 30 days after planting. For fall planting, apply one-third of the nitrogen 90 days before ripening.  Split the balance of the nitrogen between August and September.  On sandy soils, sidedress with 15 to 30 lbs nitrogen per acre in January.  The nitrogen rate should be increased to 180 lbs nitrogen per acre for Coastal Plain soils based on vegetative growth and soft berries.  Keep nitrogen at least 4 inches from young plants to avoid injury.  For established plantings, apply one-third of the fertilizer in September, one-third at about 90 days before ripening, and the remainder after harvest.  When renovating, apply all of any lime recommended, phosphate and potash recommended, and one-half of the nitrogen in late August or September.

252  A 500 lbs-per-acre rate is equivalent to 1 pound per each 100 feet of row if row spacing is 36 inches.

653  Soil test zinc is low, however, this is not a zinc sensitive crop, therefore no zinc is recommended.  (When soil test zinc is low)