INLUENCE OF MULCH AND IN-GROUND AMENDMENTS ON ROOT WEIGHT AND DISTRIBUTION OF RABBITEYE BLUEBERRIES.

Abstract

Brightwell and Climax plants were established in March, 1987, under the following above-ground treatments: 1) polyfabric weed barrier, 2) a 6 cm deep, 1-meter wide strip of continuous bark, and 3) zero. Below-ground treatments included, 1) 19 liters peatmoss, 2) 19 liters pine bark, 3) a continuous bark strip, tilled in, and 4) zero. A randomized complete block design was utilized with above-ground treatments as main plots and in-ground. treatments as split plots. After three years, plants under polyfabric had higher above-ground dry weights, growth indexes, plant height, root dry weights and root lengths than plants under continuous bark or zero. In the deep, coarse, easily-leached sand, all roots were very shallow (0-20cms) and concentrated along the drip line and in organic matter fractions. There were no significant differences between in-ground treatments.