Biochar was tested as a possible soil amendment for blueberry production and compared with pine bark, which is commonly used as a soil amendment in blueberry production in the southeastern United States. Three treatments were established in sandy soil: biochar, pine bark (commercial standard), and control (non-amended soil) in which the variety ‘Farthing’ was planted. Soil characteristics were measured two months and 11 months after the incorporation of the amendments. Plant growth, and physiological traits were measured a year after planting. Biochar increased soil pH compared to pine bark and non-amended soil (control). Organic matter (OM) was higher in pine bark amended soil than in biochar. Biochar increased the Ca/Mg ratio 2 months after its incorporation and maintained P availability compared to the control and pine bark treatments. Eleven months after the incorporation of the amendments, the aluminum content was higher in the soil amended with biochar than in the control, whereas the Fe content was higher in the soil amended with pine bark than in the control. Manganese levels were lower in the pine bark-amended soil than in any other treatment. Plant growth and physiological responses were not affected by the incorporation of biochar as a soil amendment. However, plants established on the pine-bark amended soil had lower Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD), stomatal conductance, and maximum fluorescence than blueberry plants established on biochar or non-amended soil.
