Fall Nitrogen Fertilization Does Not Affect Total Non-Structural Carbohydrates In 'HyRed' Cranberry Uprights

Woody perennial plants accumulate reserves prior to their dormancy period for winter survival and to support the resumption of growth the following spring. Thus, increasing nutrient availability during fall could increase plant reserves and enhance productivity in woody perennial crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of fall nitrogen fertilizer on total non-structural carbohydrate reserves in cranberry uprights during the dormant period. A complete randomized block design was established in three 10-year- old 'HyRed' cranberry production beds at a farm in central Wisconsin. The fall fertilization treatments were applied after harvest and consisted of 0% (0 Kg/ha), 10% (6.7 Kg/ha), 20% (13.4 Kg/ha), and 40% (26.8 Kg/ ha) of the current and next season's total nitrogen (N) application (67 kg/ha). Over the following growing season, each plot received 67 kg/ha of N application during the summer in addition to the fall fertilization application. Fall N fertilization did not affect the concentration of total nonstructural carbohydrates (TNSC) or N concentration in cranberry uprights during winter or the subsequent spring.