What implements do I need?

[bloody_peasant]

Thanks for your suggestions. I appreciate any feedback that is shared. I am starting with about 1 acre of plantings. I think I need about a year to get the soil ammeded so I have the proper PH level for blueberries. Anyone have any suggestions on how to do that? I do plan on sodding between the rows because I think it makes it easier to take care of, and it is more customer friendly. I am pretty excited about getting started, but I know its going to be a ton of work, and stress.

Cool, yeah I'm starting with about 1.5 acres. Sulfur is the recommended way to lower pH, although aluminum sulfate shouldn't be used as that can raise aluminum to toxic levels. Sulfur can be added in pure form or as a salt, such as iron sulfate. Ammonium sulfate can be used to maintain a low pH while adding nitrogen. Actually blueberries prefer nitrogen in the ammonium form because it is more available at a low pH. Sulfur takes about a year to actually lower the soil pH too.

Best bet to do this is get a soil test and tell them ahead of time you plan on planting blueberries there and they will give you the amount needed to lower the pH. Get up with your county extension agent and he/she can lead you to sources to get the stuff delivered.

So are you planning on a pick your own kind of operation? Also are you considering organic?

 

[tcrider33d]

How is the ammonium sulfate applied anyway? Does that have to be injected?

 

[bloody_peasant]

How is the ammonium sulfate applied anyway? Does that have to be injected?

I'm guessing direct broadcast is the best method for a large area, but I would check with your extension agent first. Its highly water soluable, but soil holds ammonium ions a lot longer and better than other typical nitrogen ions (nitrites, ureas, etc.) Its also less volatile so your fertilizer won't evaporate into the air as much. Still doing it when its cool and either right before rain or irrigating right after is recommended.

I'm not sure if dissolving it and spraying it is better or working it into the soil. I'll have to do some more research myself on that one. I'd say it depends a lot on your conditions too. A hillside on hard compacted ground near a stream for instance could lead to a lot of run-off. Not good.