Blackberries are generally vigorous and require less irrigation and fertilization than most crops.
Blackberry bushes need frequent irrigation, especially in the warmer sections; at the same time, care should be taken to water so that the soil does not become saturated. This is especially true on shallow soils.
Blackberries grow well on fertile, deep, well drained sandy loam or loam. Sandy soil needs the application of organic matter and because it may not retain water may need irrigation.
Blackberries do not tolerate clay or soil with a high water table. Because of this is so, blackberries do not tolerate waterlogged soil.
In many temperate climates, blackberries can be successfully grown without irrigation, however to ensure high quality berries and high yields, if rain is not adequate, 3-5 cm of water/week is applied.
Insufficient water causes plants to produce small berries. Where irrigation is necessary, the farmer must guard against applying too many salts to the soils.
Irrigation of blackberry plants
