Effect of Application Date on Absorption of 15Nitrogen by Highbush Blueberry
Rates of absorption of 15N-enriched ammonium sulfate by young `Bluecrop' highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) were compared following applications on six dates between late April and September. Ammonium sulfate solutions containing 2.1 g N (10.2 atom % 15N) were dripped directly into the root zone of single bushes. Soil covers and irrigation were used to maintain similar soil moisture conditions during treatment periods. Treated bushes from each application date were excavated after 2 weeks of exposure and separated into roots, stems, and current season's growth (new shoots, leaves, fruit). Tissues were dried, weighed, and analyzed for 15N and 14N by mass spectrometry. Soils were also analyzed for labeled and nonlabeled N. Bushes treated in late May, June, and July absorbed a greater percentage of applied N (6% to 9%) than bushes treated in April, August, or September (1% to 3%). Absorption of N appeared to be affected more by the demand of the plants than soil N availability. Plants absorbed N most efficiently during active growth between late bloom and fruit maturity.