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Bluberries: Extremely good results with crusher dust (forum)

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sternus1 starts with ...
Just thought I'd post about the considerable improvement I've had with my blueberry plants by adding crusher dust to the mix (standard bluestone packing base).

Repotting with about 30% crusher dust has pushed my blueberry plants to put out considerably more flowers and has put the plants in optimum health in a very short space of time. Would definitely recommend doing this the next time you're potting a blueberry.

s

Time: 22nd March 2014 9:50am

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About the Author sternus1
Australia
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yrt says...
Difficult to reconcile with the fact that crusher dust is pH 9 and blueberries favour pH 4.4 to 5.2 .

Time: 22nd March 2014 4:07pm

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About the Author yrt
sydney
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sternus1 says...
*shrugs*

It is what is. When it comes to growing my method is to try stuff and watch the results; the equation of Cumulative selection you might call it. I suspect this ph lowering effect is counteracted/balanced by the acidifying matter contained in the mix, mostly just sphagnum and various bark fiber.Plants have responded very well to mineral nutrients imparted by the crusher dust. This has visibly improved the general health of the plants, and seems to have created better abundance of flowers, though this very well might be owing to the cooling weather.
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1


Time: 22nd March 2014 5:02pm

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About the Author sternus1
Australia
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Jason says...
Rock dust is a fertiliser though, plenty on minerals in rocks. You see people addicts to eating rocks and clay fairly often for that reason. I would have expected bluestone to had neutral pH. No wonder nothing grows in the old Portland quarry. (They filmed where the wild things are in it)

Time: 23rd March 2014 2:18am

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Original Post was last edited: 23rd March 2014 2:17am

About the Author Jason
Portland
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Boris Spasky says...
Possibly you are seeing the results of increased aeration and oxygen in the root zone, rather than any mineral boost. It would prevent the potting media compacting as it decomposes.
Rock dust breaks down very slowly to see quick results.

Time: 23rd March 2014 10:16pm

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Original Post was last edited: 23rd March 2014 10:16pm

About the Author Boris Spasky

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sternus1 says...
You might be on the money there Boris, hadn't considered that. I'll be using it in all my mixes in the future, that's for sure. I've heard hydrogen peroxide can be used to increase oxygination also, but have been to fearful of trying this as I might kill the plant somehow.

Time: 24th March 2014 11:29am

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About the Author sternus1
Australia
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Julie says...
Hmm, I'm no expert, but if blueberries natural habit is swampland, I can't think there would be lot of aeration in the soil.

Just my opinion, as I'm still experimenting with how to successfully grow them.



Time: 24th March 2014 4:49pm

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About the Author Julie
Roleystone WA
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yrt says...
Sorry Sternus , I have to treat this as "my grandmother lived to be 92 and she drank and smoked" My guess is that the pH of 9 will act slowly as much of crusher dust is insoluble . Perhaps you can report back later- when the blueberries are 92!

Time: 24th March 2014 5:05pm

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About the Author yrt
sydney
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