Blueberries

Overview

Blueberries are perennial shrubs from the Ericaceae family, known worldwide as a superfood.
They are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants – especially anthocyanins, the natural pigment that gives them their blue color and helps protect the body from inflammation and aging.
These compounds help maintain heart and vascular health, improve vision (especially night vision), slow the aging process, and reduce the risk of metabolic and digestive diseases.

Originating in North America, blueberries were traditionally cultivated in wetland areas.
They grow as multi-year shrubs with shallow roots.
Some varieties are deciduous and require long cold periods, while others are evergreen and thrive with minimal chilling.
Blueberries are generally classified into three types: Highbush, Lowbush, and Rabbiteye.

A key factor for successful growth is soil acidity – optimal development and fruit quality are achieved at a pH between 4.5 and 5.5.
In basic soils, calcium and phosphorus can accumulate around the roots, disrupting growth, causing deficiencies (mainly manganese), and reducing yield and fruit quality.

 

Gat Fertilizers Solutions

Gat Fertilizers developed a dedicated formulation for blueberry fertigation – Blueberries Blue – combining ammonium nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, micronutrients, and Blue, an additive that inhibits nitrification and helps maintain nitrogen in the ammonium form preferred by the plant.
For in-soil cultivation, Gat recommends fertilization with Tov Blue.
In soilless systems, it is recommended to fertilize with Shafir Gopher Blue.

Growers are encouraged to consult Gat’s agronomic team for personalized recommendations and to design the optimal fertilization program for their specific variety and growing system.