Three varieties are under test. Each of these approaches to fertilization is being tested at four rates ranging from 40-160 lbs. The purpose of this trial is to develop the capability of automatically scheduling irrigation for a blueberry planting in response to soil moisture conditions. Sensors placed in the soil automatically monitor and trigger irrigation in response to soil moisture status. The process is controlled by computer.
Treatments involve triggering irrigation at four different levels of soil moisture status.
Blueberry Breeding Dr. Jim Hancock is breeding new varieties of blueberries in this project assessing their adaptation to upland growing conditions. More than 6000 individual seedlings have been set out in this planting thus far. Many promising selections have been identified for advanced testing. Also called Highbush cranberry, but is not a true cranberry. Fruit is eaten by birds.