Publication 360, Fruit Production Recommendations:
Chapter 5: Berry Crops - Currant and Gooseberry Nutrition


Excerpt from Publication 360, Fruit Production Recommendations 2010-11,
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Cover of Publication 360, Fruit Production RecommendationsTable of Contents

Introduction

It is essential to apply and incorporate required materials such as phosphorus, potassium, organic matter and lime before you plant currants and gooseberries because these materials do not move through the soil easily.

Prepare the soil and adjust pH as required, as determined by a soil test at least a year before planting. This will ensure the plants can maintain productivity and grow successfully in the same location for many years.

Currants and gooseberries grow best in cool, well-drained, deep, loamy soils. The soil organic matter should be at least 2-3% to promote good drainage, aeration and moisture retention.

Apply 45 tonnes/ha or 4.5 kg/m2 of well-composted manure in late summer or fall before planting. Other organic materials such as weed-free straw may be used, but these materials should be well decomposed by planting time. For more information on organic matter, see Soil Management at www.ontario.ca/crops.

pH requirements

An acceptable soil pH for currants and gooseberries is between 5.5 and 7.0. A slightly acid soil (pH 6.1-6.6) is best. Liming of soil may be required to raise soil pH to 6.1.

If lime is needed, apply at least six to twelve months before planting. For more information on lime, consult Soil pH and Liming. Micronutrients may become limiting when soil pH is outside the recommended range.

Fertilizer before planting

Incorporate phosphorus and potassium fertilizer into the soil in early spring a few days before planting. Incorporate nitrogen before planting or apply in a band around the bush several weeks after planting. Apply fertilizer at least 30 cm away from the base of the bush to avoid burning roots with the nitrogen. If planting takes place in the fall, incorporate required phosphorus before planting but delay application of nitrogen and potassium until the following spring.

Nitrogen (N)

Incorporate or band 5 g of actual nitrogen per bush in the planting year.

Phosphorus (P)

Test the soil before planting and incorporate the required amount of phosphorus according to the soil test results. See Table 5-3. Phosphorus and Potassium Requirements for Highbush Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Currants, Gooseberries, for more information. Recommended phosphorus rates to meet plant requirements must be incorporated prior to planting. Phosphorus does not move easily through the soil to the roots. This makes it difficult to effectively incorporate phosphorus after the crop is planted. Excessive levels of phosphorus can induce deficiencies of essential nutrients such as zinc.

Potassium (K)

Test the soil before planting and apply the required amount of potassium according to the soil test results. See Table 5-3. Phosphorus and Potassium Requirements for Highbush Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Currants, Gooseberries. Currants and gooseberries are sensitive to injury from the chloride contained in muriate of potash (0-0-60). Use sulphate of potash or sulphate of potash magnesia instead.

Table 5-3a. Phosphorus Requirements for Highbush Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Currants, Gooseberries (PDF 74 kb)

Soil test
(ppm P)

Rating
New Planting
Phosphate required
(kg P2O5 per ha)
Established plantings
Phosphate required
(kg P2O5 per ha)
0-3
HR
140
100
4-5
HR
130
90
6-7
HR
120
80
8-9
HR
110
70
10-12
HR
100
70
13-15
HR
90
60
16-20
MR
70
50
21-25
MR
60
40
26-30
MR
50
30
31-40
MR
40
20
Above 40
MR
0
0

HR, MR, LR, denote, respectively, high, medium, AND low probabilities of profitable crop response to applied nutrient.


Table 5-3b. Potassium Requirements for Highbush Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Currants, Gooseberries (PDF 74 kb)

Soil test (ppm K)
Rating
Potash required (kg K2O per ha)
0-15
HR
130
16-30
HR
120
31-45
HR
110
46-60
HR
110
61-80
HR
90
81-100
HR
80
101-120
MR
70
121-150
MR
60
151-180
MR
40
Above 180
MR
0

HR, MR, LR, denote, respectively, high, medium, AND low probabilities of profitable crop response to applied nutrient.

Fertilizer in established plantings

Apply fertilizer early each spring according to soil tests. If phosphorus and potassium are not broadcast over the entire area, reduce rates to the percentage of area that will receive fertilizer. If the fertilizer is banded, band 30 cm from the base of the plant.

Nitrogen (N)

Apply 10 g nitrogen per bush in the year after planting. In subsequent years, apply 20 g per bush.

Potassium (K)

Apply according to soil test results. If a soil test is not available, assume a moderate level and apply as indicated in Table 5-3. Phosphorus and Potassium Requirements for Highbush Blueberries, Strawberries, Raspberries, Currants, Gooseberries.

    Micronutrients for Berry Crops

    Deficiencies of micronutrients or trace elements are not widespread in Ontario fruit plantings. The desirable range for micronutrients is quite narrow. More damage is possible if micronutrients are applied in excess rather than from deficiencies. For this reason, do not apply micronutrients to fruit crops unless leaf analysis or visible symptoms confirm a deficiency. Apply only the deficient nutrient in sufficient quantities to correct the problem. Leaf analysis is more effective than soil analysis to evaluate a crop's micronutrient status.

    See Micronutrients, for additional information.

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For more information:
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E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
Author: OMAFRA Staff
Creation Date: 28 January 2010
Last Reviewed: 26 December 2010