| There is a growing interest among the consumers in organically produced crops. A comparative study between organic amendments and chemical fertilizers is vital in order to understand the feasibility of using organic amendments in place of chemical fertilizers. Thus a three year field experiment was initiated in May 2002 at Boutilier's Point, near Halifax, N.S., with an objective to evaluate four different organic amendments in comparison with chemical fertilizers on three strawberry cultivars and two half-high blueberry cultivars. Treatments included alfalfa meal, Municipal solid waste (MSW) compost, NPK fertilizer, Ruminant compost and YMFC. Yield, soil fertility and plant nutrition of strawberry and half-high blueberry were evaluated over three years. The Ruminant compost had a strong (K) and mild effect (P and Mg) on extractable soil nutrients and leaf nutrients in strawberry and half-high blueberry cultivars. The fruit yield was not affected by the treatments in strawberry or half-high blueberry. |
