Characterization of Nitrogen Cycling in Cultivated Cranberry Beds to Improve Efficiency and Sustainability of Fertilizer Application

Characterization of Nitrogen Cycling in Cultivated Cranberry Beds to Improve Efficiency and Sustainability of Fertilizer Application

Summary

This agroecosystem study will characterize the spatial and temporal variability of inorganic and organic soil nitrogen pools in both peat and sand-based cranberry beds. This study will also examine the relationship between plant and soil nitrogen pools and ericoid mycorrhizal colonization rates in cranberry roots. Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi may be able to access forms of nitrogen that are otherwise unavailable to the plant. A better understanding of the pattern of nitrogen use by cranberries may increase profitability and sustainability of crop production.

Objectives/Performance Targets

Quantify levels of inorganic nitrogen (ammonium and nitrate) and organic nitrogen in cranberry beds with either peat or sand substrates.

Characterize spatial and temporal variation in extractable nitrogen throughout the growing season.

Examine the relationship between cranberry tissue nitrogen, soil nitrogen, and ericoid mycorrhizal fungi colonization in the field.

Integrate results from this study with a related study focusing on links between nitrogen cycling and hydrology in cranberry beds (P.I.s : Dr. Kevin Kosola, University of Wisconsin – Madison, and Bryant Browne, University of Wisconsin- Stevens Point, Graduate Student: Davinder Randhawa, University of Wisconsin – Madison).

Share results with growers and researchers at meetings: Wisconsin Cranberry School Meetings and the National Association of Cranberry and Extension Workers Meetings.

Accomplishments/Milestones

I have analyzed samples to indicate that there is spatial and temporal variation in the three different forms of nitrogen, ammonium, nitrate, and dissolved organic nitrogen across sand and peat-based cranberry beds. Extractable nitrogen levels are highest in the spring, when plants are dormant, and lower during the growing season, when plants are actively growing.

I also have some preliminary data on mycorrhizal colonization and tissue nitrogen from leaves and roots of cranberry plants. I plan to integrate the soil, plant, and fungal colonization data.

During the 2006 growing season, I will continue collecting hydrologic samples, measuring nitrogen in groundwater, irrigation, and precipitation, so that I can continue to integrate this information with data on patterns in soil and plant nitrogen content.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

This research will give growers a better understanding of nutrient inputs to their crop including organic as well as inorganic nitrogen. This has utility in supporting nitrogen management decisions and as background information as growers develop nutrient management plans. This research will also illustrate the major inputs of nitrogen into the cranberry agroecosystem, and the influences of these inputs on plant and soil nitrogen pools.

Submit journal article to The Journal of the American Society for Horticultural Science.

Technical reports and other publications:

Kosola, K.R., S.M. Stackpoole, D. Randhawa, B.A.A. Workmaster.  2006.  Nitrate in irrigation water.  Proceedings, 2006 Wisconsin Cranberry School.  

Kosola, K.R., S.M. Stackpoole.  2005. Update on cranberry plant/soil water relations and on mycorrhizal colonization in Wisconsin cranberry production.  Proceedings, 2005 Wisconsin Cranberry School.  

Presentations as first author:

Stackpoole, S.M. and K.R. Kosola.  2005.  Characterization of nitrogen cycling in cultivated cranberry beds.   North American Cranberry Research and Extension Worker Meeting, Langley, B.C., Canada, 10/26/05. Oral presentation.

Presentations as contributing author:

Kosola, K.R., P.A. Spada, D.S. Randhawa and S.M. Stackpoole.  2005.  Is cranberry nitrate acquisition responsible for excess vine growth associated with nitrate-contaminated irrigation water?  North American Cranberry Research and Extension Worker Meeting, Langley, B.C., Canada, 10/26/05. Oral presentation.

Randhawa, D.S., S.M. Stackpoole, N.M. Guldan, K.R. Kosola, B.B. Browne.  2005.  Evidence for denitrification in Wisconsin cranberry production.   North American Cranberry Research and Extension Worker Meeting, Langley, B.C., Canada, 10/26/05.  Oral presentation.

Randhawa, D.S., S.M. Stackpoole, N.M. Guldan, K.R. Kosola, B.B. Browne.  2005.  Evidence for denitrification in Wisconsin cranberry production.   American Water Resources Association – Wisconsin Section meeting, Delevan, WI, 3/4/05. Oral presentation.

Collaborators: