Boron Deficiency
Posted: Tuesday, December 14, 2010
by Robert Wright
UsaveHydroponics
Boron
Boron is a micronutrient that is required for plant growth. It exists in the soil primarily as boric acid, H3BO3. Elemental boron has an ionic charge of +3 but acts as anionic trace element when it sheds its hydrogen atoms to give it a negative charge. It does not participate in cation exchange but is taken up primarily from organic matter near the soil surface passively by following the water while in solution.
The functions of boron are not well understood but it is necessary for growth of plants will exhibit growth deficiencies without enough boron. Many researchers believe that it seems to be important in cell wall and cell membrane integrity. Boron also is involved in new leaf and bud formation as well as root development.
Boron Deficiency:
Boron deficiencies are worsened in alkaline soils because it gets tied up. It also leaches readily, especially in areas of high rainfall. Symptoms of boron deficiency include death of terminal buds, followed by tight bushy growth, known as rosette. Fleshy tissues may crack, become hollow and rot. Lack of boron may also result in poor pollination.
Boron Toxicity:
Too much boron is toxic to plants. This tends to occurs in arid regions where the boric acid fails to leach down through the soil or in areas rich in boron. It can also occur in ares where municipal water supplies have high volumes of boron in the water. In plants, the excess boron is taken up and migrates to the edges of leaves causing yellow or brown margins and curling or cupping.
Boron Fertilizer:
Boron fertilizer or amendments should only be added after soil testing to verify the need. If their is need, the lab will provide an appropriate recommendation. Adding organic matter is the preferred method to replenish boron levels in the soil. Reducing the pH in alkaline soils will also free up boron for uptake into plants with water.
Generally, 1-3 pounds per acre per year will be sufficient for plants needs. Broadcasting is the preferred method of adding boron to the soil as it becomes mobile in the soil solution. A spray solution of boron (Solubor) is available for direct application to foliage by foliar spray.
Author: Robert R. Wright
This Article has been viewed 253 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.