Effects of Mixes of Peat with Different Rates of Spruce, Pine Fibers, or Perlite on the Growth of Blueberry Saplings

Abstract

Investigations of substrates for growing plant saplings is the basis for the search for new components. Currently, large numbers of saplings are grown for blueberry plantations. Studies on the use of various organic and inorganic components in substrates is relevant in order to reduce the amount of excavated peat. The goal of this study was to analyze the effects of mixes of peat with different rates of spruce, pine fibers and perlite on the growth of blueberry saplings. To define the suitability of substrates, plant vigor assessments of the cultivar ‘Duke’, including plant height and leaf weight, as well as the chlorophyll fluorescence, content of extractable macronutrients and organic carbon in leaves, were investigated. The best effect on the growth of blueberry saplings, the optimal content of macronutrients in the leaves, was shown for substrates in which a part of the peat was replaced by 15–45% v/v of pine wood fiber and by 15–30% v/v of spruce wood fiber. Pine bark fiber in the mix should not exceed 30% v/v. The addition of spruce bark fibers in the different rates had a negative effect on the vegetative growth of the saplings. The quantity of peat in the substrates can also be significantly reduced by adding 15–45% v/v of perlite. These results confirm that pine and spruce fibers or perlite in substrates for blueberry sapling growing could reduce the demand for peat and should significantly contribute to the preservation of unique wetland ecosystems.