Chile tests regenerative practices to improve blueberry production resilience

Chile’s blueberry sector tests regenerative practices to improve soil health and cut production costs, according to the Blueberry Committee of Frutas de Chile.

The industry group has completed the first year of pilot projects focused on regenerative fruit production in southern and south-central regions, with support from regional development agency Corfo in Ñuble and Biobío. The trials were carried out in two orchards with low organic matter soils, including compacted sandy-loam conditions in Ñuble and sandy soils in Biobío.

Field demonstrations held at farms in Portezuelo and Los Ángeles showed the impact of management changes introduced during the project. These included compost application, biological soil activation and planting between crop rows to improve soil structure and nutrient availability.

After 14 months of work, preliminary results indicate improvements in fruit quality and recovery of soil physical, biological and chemical properties. The approach also aims to reduce fertiliser use by improving nutrient uptake efficiency, helping lower operating costs while strengthening plant tolerance to drought and temperature stress.

The Blueberry Committee said the initiative forms part of a broader effort to make Chilean blueberry production more resilient to climate variability while maintaining consistent fruit quality and long-term profitability.

source and photo: frutasdechile.cl