Effects of B Application on Soybean Yield, Chemical Composition, and Related Characteristics1

Abstract

AbstractSoybeans (Glycine max L. Merr.) are generally considered not to respond to B applications. A few responses to B application on soybeans have been reported for soils similar to those reported here. In addition, toxicities have been reported but not related to methods of application with current recommended cultivars. The purpose of these studies was to compare the effects of broadcast and foliar applications of B at rates of 0 to 2.24 kg/ha for soybeans (‘Hutton’) grown on two Coastal Plains soils and a Piedmont soil. The parameters evaluated were B accumulation and distribution in the soil and plants and the effects of B on yield, elemental concentration in leaves and mature seed, plant maturity, seed size and quality, and nodule formation. A significant positive correlation was found between applied B and water‐soluble soil B and total plant B. Broadcast applications of B caused no apparent vegetative damage but the 1.12 and 2.24 kg/ha foliar applications resulted in leaf burn, malformed leaves, and delayed maturity. On the Coastal Plain soils, yields were influenced by rate of applied B, but not by method of application. There was a beneficial effect from the 0.28, 0.56, and 1.12 kg/ha rates of B at one site and a detrimental effect from the 2.24 kg/ha rate at both sites. Yields on the Piedmont soil were not influenced by B applications. Protein and oil percentages, seed size, and nodule formation were not affected by method or rate of B. The B concentration in the mature seed increased with increased B rates but there were no differences between methods of application.