Haskap Fertility Testing

We are committed to learn about haskaps. That is why we started in 2019 conducting Haskap fertility research in our unique Alberta Climate.

Andrew, the owner, has a deep desire to learn what makes for the biggest, healthiest, tastiest haskap fruit. This desire started when taking Production Horticulture, at Olds College, from taking a class called advance scientific methods. Leaning how to conduct research; randomized trials, consistent testing, plot design, to name a few.

What Fertilizers are we Testing

Starting in 2019 we have been testing the affects of organic fertilizers on haskaps, in our Alberta climate:

Granular fertilizer
Fertigation; liquid fertilizer through the irrigation drip lines)
Foliage fertilizer (spraying fertilizer onto the leaves of the plant)
No water
Two times water

How We Test

Each fall the plants are measured on plant height, fullness of growth. During harvest each trial set has its berries weighed, berry size is measured, amount of stems and flavour of the fruit is catalogued. This experiment is a long term venture, expecting 5 year plus. Glenda our CRO, Chief Research Officer, has been critical in the research design and detailed measurements.

Our Preliminary Results After 2023

After 4 years of testing our results are showing an increase of growth and yield of 20% Boreal Beauty & 22% Boreal Beast when using the combination of fertilizers. Not using foliar fertilizer on boreal Beast increased the amount of green berries, amount of stems and reduces brix to 16 compared to our average 20-22. Not applying water has not overly affected the size of the plants but has greatly affected fruit size, amount and taste.

Importance of Fertilizer Research

Our research has been validated from Scientific Research and Experimental Development (SR&ED); federal and provincial programs. Where we discussed the scientific method used in conducting this research, its importance for our industry, as little fertility research has been on haskaps, and non as far as we know in Alberta.

Fertility research is extremely import to the success of our haskap industry, in Alberta and across Canada. By learning how to maximize fruit yields, growth rates, and increase quality of the fruit, we make sure Haskap, continue to be our local super fruit.

Due to there being little research conducted on haskaps, some growers are getting taken advantage of by fertility providers, advising on the use of products that have never been tested on haskap fruit. Proof is always needed. Make sure as a haskap grower you know what is needed for your haskaps. Start with a soil test, a year before you plant, taking one year to prepare the soil and talk with a trusted agronomist.

When you come onto the orchard for U-Pick, you will see our haskap research signs, identifying our research areas.

The Best Haskap Agronomists in the Business!

The Agronomists Rosy Farms uses, specialize in soil biology, and compost tea extract. We HIGHLY RECOMENDS THEM. For their knowledge and value. They want you to have the most affordable option regardless of it is their product or not.

darcy@ecohealthind.com, tom@ecohealthind.com