Tree Genetics and Molecular Breeding 2025, Vol.15, No.4, 138-146 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/tgmb 142 Figure 2 Impact of long-term nitrogen (N) fertilization and application methods (Adopted from Jayasinghege et al., 2024) Image caption: N fertilizer applied as broadcast (BROAD) treatments initially remains in the sawdust after application, gradually becoming available in the root zone as it dissolves with irrigation water. Fertilizer not directly under drip irrigation tends to dissolve more slowly, with some loss due to volatilization. In contrast, fertigation (FERT)-applied N passes through the mulch layer more readily and becomes immediately available to plants, though a higher portion may be lost through leaching compared to BROAD treatments. All N treatments increase electrical conductivity (EC) and reduce pH, but the pH decline occurs more rapidly with FERT treatments (illustrated by arrows, with arrow heights indicating the extent of change). These soil changes also reduce the availability of calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and copper (Cu) to plants, while N availability appears slightly higher in BROAD treatments due to differences in the rate and pattern of fertilizer distribution (Adopted from Jayasinghege et al., 2024) 5.4 Long-term effects of repeated amendment use on soil structure and health Although long-term use of mineral fertilizers can enhance soil fertility, it can also easily lead to a decrease in soil pH, a reduction in organic matter, and a significant loss of nitrate nitrogen, affecting soil health and sustainable planting (Messiga et al., 2020; Jayasinghege et al., 2024). In contrast, conditioners such as organic fertilizers and peat, if used for a long time, can increase organic matter in the soil, improve soil structure and microbial diversity, and also enhance soil buffering capacity and nutrient supply (Tan et al., 2022). However, it should also be noted that long-term use may cause excessive phosphorus accumulation in the soil. Therefore, regular checks and scientific crop rotation are still necessary (Li et al., 2024; Douillard et al., 2025). 6 Technological Tools and Monitoring Systems 6.1 In-field pH sensors and precision soil mapping Installing pH sensors in the fields enables real-time observation of changes in soil acidity and alkalinity, making timely adjustments convenient. Farmers can also regularly measure the soil pH using the potentiometric method and then manage it according to the zoning of the plots, keeping the soil pH stable between 4.0 and 5.5, which are favored by blueberries. In this way, blueberries will grow better and have a higher yield. With precise mapping technology, it is also possible to draw which plots of land have a pH level that is too high or too low, facilitating targeted treatment. 6.2 Remote sensing and spectral tools for pH-associated stress detection Remote sensing and spectroscopy techniques are also quite useful. For example, they can be used to observe the color and greenness (SPAD value, CCI index, etc.) of blueberry leaves over a wide range, because these are closely related to soil pH (Jiang et al., 2019; Yang et al., 2022). Sometimes, with the help of drones or satellites, along with the assistance of ground instruments, it is possible to identify early on whether blueberries are growing poorly or their leaves are discolored due to incorrect soil pH, facilitating prompt intervention. 6.3 Decision support tools and real-time pH adjustment protocols There is a type of tool called Decision Support System (DSS), which can centralize the data from sensors for use, such as soil pH, nutrient content, how blueberries are growing, etc., and then automatically recommend fertilization, watering or pH adjustment (Savić et al., 2024). Some intelligent irrigation systems can even
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==