Organic weed control options for highbush blueberry

2-year study shows pine needle mulch most effective

		IMAGE: Researchers study mulching options for weed control at Blueberry Acres in Nova Scotia. Click here for more information.

TRURO, NOVA SCOTIA—Research scientists at Nova Scotia Agricultural College have been working steadily to find effective organic methods to control weeds in cultivated blueberry crops. One resulting study, published in a recent issue of the ASHS journal HortScience, reported on the efficacy of three organic mulches used on highbush blueberry (HBB) produced under organic production practices. The research team determined that the major factor influencing weed suppression by compost mulches (for certain weed species) was likely mulch thickness and bulk density, which provide a barrier to weed growth and prevents light penetration to the soil surface.