Reduced Nitrogen Fertilizer Rates Maintained Raspberry Growth in an Established Field

Abstract

Optimizing nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates maintains good red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) production while alleviating environmental risks. Although raspberry growers in Washington are using the caneberry nutrient management guides derived from western Oregon, these guides may not be appropriate for other production regions given the differences in climate, soil type, and crop productivity. However, limited research has been conducted to observe the impact of the N fertilizer rate on floricane red raspberry growth, yield, and fruit quality in Washington. The aim of this study is to evaluate the response of “Meeker” floricane red raspberries grown in northwest Washington, USA, to different N fertilizer rates in order to provide information for future local nutrient management guides. Treatments of urea (46% nitrogen (N)) were surface-applied to raised beds of established ‘Meeker’ raspberry plots at controls, low, medium, and high rates (0, 34, 67, and 101 kg N ha−1, respectively) in 2019 and 2020. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block with three replications. Fruit yield and quality, plant growth and leaf tissue nutrient concentrations, and soil characteristics were evaluated. There were no N fertilizer rate treatment effects for the yield, fruit quality, plant growth, leaf tissue nutrient concentrations, and soil characteristics, except for fruit titratable acidity and soil ammonium (NH4-N) concentrations. The lack of a plant response may be due to nutrients mineralized from soil organic matter (3.81–4.0%) and the utilization of plant nutrient reserves. Based on the results, the soil organic matter level and plant nutrient reserves should be considered when making nutrient management suggestions. Fertilizer costs as well as the potential for environmental pollution from excess fertilizers could be reduced through utilizing these two potential sources of nutrients. Furthermore, longer periods of research is warranted to understand how to adjust N fertilizer rates based on plant and soil characteristics while sustaining yields.

Evaluation of the Quality of Raspberries (Rubus idaeus L.) Grown in Balanced Fertilization Conditions

“…The chemical composition of fruits depends not only on genetic conditions and the age of plants but also on agrochemical factors, mainly fertilization [42,43]. In this study, the highest yield level was obtained at a dose of 135 kg N•ha −1 , both for the 'Laszka' and 'Glen Ample' cultivars.…”

“…Their content was arranged in the following order: Mn > Fe > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > C. The authors did not find a significant difference in the concentration of the tested elements in raspberry fruits from organic and conventional cultivation, except for the statistically proven Fe content in organic raspberries. According to Lu et al [43], an increase in the level of nitrogen fertilization as well as an optimal level of hydration provide plants with a higher yield. The authors observed an increase in yields of the 'Norna' and 'Veten' cultivars as a result of irrigation by nearly 52% compared with natural precipitation.…”

The Effect of Nitrogen Reduction and Applying Bio-Organic Fertilisers on Soil Nutrients and Apple Fruit Quality and Yield

“…Many studies have shown that proper reduction in nitrogen fertiliser application increases the yield and improves the nutritional quality of crops. Moreover, it reduces the amounts of wasted nitrogen fertiliser, improves fertiliser utilisation efficiency, and reduces environmental pollution [65]. This study found that under different fertilisation treatments, fruit weight, shape index, and hardness of apples increased with 20% and 30% nitrogen reduction combined with bio-organic fertiliser (Figures 5 and 6), and the fruit yield and nitrogen partial factor productivity also increased accordingly (Figure 7).…”

RESPONS PERTUMBUHAN DAN PERKEMBANGAN Rubus rosifolius Sm. DAN Rubus fraxinifolius Poir. TERHADAP KOMBINASI DOSIS DAN WAKTU PEMBERIAN PUPUK

“…Dalam beberapa kasus waktu pemberian pupuk berpengaruh terhadap pertumbuhan maupun hasil dari raspberry. Rempel et al (2004) dan Lu et al (2022) melaporkan bahwa pemberian tunggal di awal atau dengan beberapa kali waktu pemupukan mempengaruhi pertumbuhan, perkembangan tanaman, produksi raspberry, kualitas buah, dan konsentrasi nutrisi pada jaringan daun. Berdasarkan beberapa hasil kajian sebelumnya, maka penelitian ini difokuskan pada dua jenis Rubus yaitu R. rosifolius dan R. fraxinifolius.…”

“…Berbedanya waktu pemberian akan memberikan hasil yang tidak sesuai dengan pertumbuhan tanaman. Lu et al (2022) melaporkan bahwa pengelolaan nutrisi pada tanaman raspberry cukup kompleks, karena bahan organik tanah dan cadangan hara dalam tanaman harus dipertimbangkan sebagai sumber nutrisi potensial. Pertumbuhan floricane dari raspberry menjadi salah satu tantangan pengelolaan nutrisi raspberry dibandingkan dengan tanaman tahunan lainnya, hal tersebut dikarenakan adanya pengaruh waktu pemberian, penyerapan hara dan musim (Rempel et al…”