Publication 360, Fruit Production Recommendations:
Chapter 5: Berry Crops - Raspberry Nutrition


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

Introduction

Raspberries have a fine, fibrous root system and perform best on a deep, well-drained soil. Raspberry soils need good water retention ability and a high organic matter content of approximately 3%. For more information on organic matter, see Soil Management at www.ontario.ca/crops.

One year before planting raspberries, test the field soil for phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and pH. Adjust soil pH and organic matter if necessary. Plant a weed-smothering cover crop and incorporate it into the soil to build up organic matter. Apply well-composted manure (45 tonnes of cattle manure per ha) and incorporate into the soil the year before planting.


pH requirements

Raspberries grow best at a soil pH of 5.5-6.5, although they can grow well in soils with a higher pH. Liming of soil may be required to raise soil pH to 6.1. If lime is needed, apply at least 12 months before planting. For more information on lime, consult Soil pH and Liming. Micronutrients may become limiting when soil pH falls outside the recommended range.

Fertilizer for raspberries

Nitrogen (N)

Recommended nitrogen rates are found in Table 5-5. Recommended Nitrogen Rates for Raspberries, on this page. Avoid the application of excessive nitrogen. It can reduce the number of berries per cane and cause excessive vegetative growth. Sources of nitrogen and nitrogen equivalents are presented in Table 3-10. Fertilizer Materials: Primary Nutrients.
For summer and fall-bearing raspberries, apply nitrogen in early spring (late March to early April). Late applications may lead to winter injury. For fall bearing raspberries, winter injury is not a concern because canes are removed each spring. However, ripening may be delayed where nitrogen is applied in excess.

Table 5-5. Recommended Nitrogen Rates for Raspberries (PDF 69 kb)

Plant Age
kg N per ha per season
Planting year
30-40
Second year
40-60
Third and following years
45-75


Use the lower rates on non-irrigated crops and heavier soils.
Apply higher rates to irrigated crops and sandier soils.
See Appendix C, Accredited Soil-Testing Laboratories in Ontario.

Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K)


Once plants are established, take soil samples from where plants are rooted, rather than from between the rows. Sample the soil every two to three years.

Use a soil test to determine the need for phosphorus and potassium before planting. Apply the required amount of phosphorus and potassium according to the soil test.

Incorporate phosphorus prior to planting to correct phosphorus deficiencies, as phosphorus does not move readily through the soil. Do not apply more phosphorus than is required; excessive levels of phosphorus can induce deficiencies of essential nutrients such as zinc.

If the soil test recommends high rates of potash, use sulphate of potash (0-0-50) or sulphate of potash magnesia (0-0-22). Raspberries are sensitive to chlorides. Some root injury has been observed on sandy soils where muriate of potash (potassium chloride, 0-0-60) has been used at a high rate. For sources of phosphorus and potash, refer to Table 3-10. Fertilizer Materials: Primary Nutrients.

Once plants are established, take soil samples from where plants are rooted, rather than from between the rows. Sample the soil every two to three years.

Leaf analysis

Collect fully expanded mature raspberry leaves from fruiting canes in late July. See Table 5-6. Ranges for Nutrient Levels in Raspberry Leaves. These ranges provide a guide for interpretation of results. Variation can occur because of cultivars, soil type and cultural practices.

Table 5-6. Ranges for Nutrient Levels in Raspberry Leaves (PDF 70 kb)

Element ( )
Acceptable Range
Nitrogen (N)
2.0-3.5%
Phosphorus (P)
0.2-0.5%
Potassium (K)
1.0-2.0%
Calcium (Ca)
0.8-2.5%
Magnesium (Mg)
0.25-0.5%
Manganese (Mn)
20-200 ppm
Iron (Fe)
25-200 ppm
Zinc (Zn)
15-100 ppm
Boron (B)
20-60 ppm

See Appendix C, Accredited Soil-Testing Laboratories in Ontario, for a list of laboratories that provide leaf analysis.

 

    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: 28 December 2010