Growing high-grade berries in hot spring weather

Growing high-grade berries in hot spring weather

Unusually high temperatures earlier in the season considerably influence berry crops by affecting several physiological functions such as reduced rate of photosynthesis, stunting crop growth, limiting blueberry pollen germination and tube development. Extreme heat exposure, even for a short duration, significantly impacts soil microorganisms by either killing them or altering their reproductive capabilities.

We have the products that can help you get the best out of your crops, even in difficult conditions. 

Follow the 4 R’s: the Right Product, the Right Rate, the Right Time, the Right Place for best results.

For Soil Application 

(for Fertigation or Spray Drench)

Different studies confirm that the heat and stress significantly depressed nitrogen metabolism enzyme activities. Sufficient nitrogen supports optimum plant growth and help them towards stress tolerance & give plants the energy to grow. 

Here are some choices of liquid fertilizers to use for ground applications:

EarthLink Grow (17-0-7) - High N (includes supplements), pH neutral, chloride-free, organic-based liquid concentrate of nitrogen with potassium. 100% stabilized nitrogen. 

EarthLink Stage 2 (20.5–5–0) - Another great option of a high N liquid products (incl. supplements). A liquid fertigation fertilizer specifically designed to support rapid vegetative or early growth. With 60% stabilized nitrogen. 

EarthLink BerryMax B (12-5-8) - Designed for all berry crops as well as grapes. Stimulates growth and improves fruit size and quality. With 60% stabilized nitrogen. 

For Foliar Application

Crop stress called abiotic stress is an increasing problem in BC’s intensive agricultural crop markets. “Abiotic” means not coming from the crops/plants themselves - weather being a good example. Using appropriate crop input products to help relieve crop stress is an important practice commonplace in high value crops like berries, tree fruits, grapes, and vegetables.

Here are some choices of liquid fertilizers  for use as foliar applications:

Stella Maris: Acadian Seaplants products are proven to improve abiotic crop stress tolerance & to provide crop stress relief (CSR) in the field. Stella Maris’s aquatic plant extract is derived exclusively from Ascophyllum nodosum kelp harvested from the nutrient-rich North Atlantic coastal waters of Nova Scotia. The recommended application rate is 1-2 L per acre, per acre, a few days prior to an abiotic stress event, or anytime including during an event to mitigate ongoing stress as possible (like prolonged spike in temperature).

EarthLink SeaGreen for CSR and BSH (Beneficial Soil Health).  As sanctioned by Acadian Seaplants company, TerraLink provides a proprietary mix of Acadian seaweed and organic acids. This combination is very efficacious and suitable for foliar spray, drenching or fertigation.

EarthLink Cal-O-Bor (calcium acetate with boron). Calcium plays an important role in multiple photosynthetic pathways. It is also an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development, and acts as a messenger in regulating plant responses to abiotic stresses in plants. A strong organic-based calcium liquid fertilizer which is free of chlorides & nitrates. 

Please note: Foliar feeding should be done in evening only. Always Jar Test when tank mixing products. Always ask a qualified agronomist:

  • When doing something new, like combining products for a tank mix or fertigation.
  • If you are unsure about water volumes especially in stress conditions.
  • If a small test patch / application to crop is needed.
  • About impact on pollinators and non-target species.

To protect yourself from risk, know that label rates supercede all other advice unless verified by an authorized representative of the manufacturer. 

Application rates are variable depending on conditions. Please consult with your TerraLink technical field representative or qualified agronomist. 

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