More than 730 attendees participated in the first Professional Technical Talk held at the International Blueberry Month, where they presented on hydroponic solutions for the cultivation of blueberries, management and control aspects in hydroponic production in blueberries, research with hormonal therapies in the yield and quality of the fruit, and factors that affect the absorption of nutrients in the foliar fertilization of the plant.

Due to the large number of questions at the end of the meeting, the topics that most attracted the attention of the hundreds of attendees were those related to hydroponic management in blueberries, addressed by Álvaro Villalba, Commercial Director of the Projar and María del Carmen Horticulture area Salas, coordinator of the Master in Mediterranean Horticulture under greenhouse and the Specialist Course in Hydroponics and Soilless Cultivation organized by the University of Almería.

Project accessories

Villalba in his presentation explained in detail the characteristics and functionalities of the multiple accessories that make up a good hydroponic growing project, ensuring optimal drainage, product of the combination of a substrate with high aeration capacity and a pot designed specifically for blueberries, which which will result in an excellent root development of the plant.

The expert made progress in the different aspects of management that increase production, by allowing more plants per hectare. He highlighted the best initial development of the plant, due to the fact that the root system develops very quickly in the substrate due to the optimal conditions of porosity, acid pH and homogeneity that it offers.

In his talk, he underlined the comparative advantages of hydroponic management, ensuring that every day it is more attractive to producers around the world by allowing them to grow independent of soil conditions, which makes it an ideal system for regions with basic, heterogeneous and low-level soils. draining.

Fertigation and control

María del Carmen Salas focused mainly on the importance of proper management of the fertigation method, emphasizing the need for control and planning according to the specific reality of each orchard. The researcher explained about the factors that affect the flows and periodicity of irrigation and the application of nutrients. She reiterated her idea of relying on the technological elements of control and measurement to better define decisions regarding cultivation and its correct management.

The technological accessories to measure flow, humidity, electrical conductivity, solar radiation, drainage, temperature and nutrient consumption, among other factors related to the plant and the crop, are very necessary to ensure the correct operation of any project.

“This is essential, because I can have a great irrigation method, software or impressive technology, but if I don't check that everything is being done properly, I may not be getting the most out of it. The irrigation methods are fundamental, but more fundamental are the controls ”, he assures.

Great participation in the round of questions

What are the differences in costs per hectare compared to traditional cultivation? Can hydroponic structure affect mechanized harvesting? Are there different water consumptions according to the time and according to the species? What is the benefit of placing the hose under the pot? Is there a maximum pot height to achieve homogeneous humidity? Doesn't confinement in the root zone cause a decrease in production in the medium term? Is the elevator complementary to the technology package or is it necessary for the project? If I have adequate soil, can I opt for this management? What aspects should be considered when choosing a brown or black pot? Are the varieties decisive in a fertigation plan? These are some of the many questions that occurred at the end of the meeting.

Delving into the issues

This form of participation allowed the experts to delve into the economic advantages of handling, speed and quantity of production, or the need to protect hoses in areas where they are highly exposed to direct sunlight. The need to measure the entire process, the qualities of the ideal substrate, the relationship between porosity, drainage and root development, and the importance of color in black or white bags, or the proper use of black or brown pots, was emphasized.

The questions also allowed us to talk about mixed management, when the soil is not so bad and substrates are applied to it, which in some regions has given good results.

An average of 800 people from around the world are attending the business and technical talks scheduled for International Blueberry Month on Tuesdays and Thursdays in August. To participate you can register at the following link: