The comparative effects of pruning by burning or clipping on lowbush blueberries in north-eastern Ontario.
Abstract
Pruning by burning improved lowbush blueberry performance mainly through the nutrients in the ash. Pruning by mechanical clipping did not increase dry matter production or cover. Burning straw improved blueberry performance further. Using a flamethrower may be detrimental to long term fruit production because of nutrient loss and possible harm to the rhizomes. Autumn pruning increased dry matter production in several competitive weed species, including Comptonia peregrina and Carex spp. ; spring pruning might therefore be advantageous.