Boron Fertilization Research Articles

Effects of potassium and boron fertilization on sunflower yield, oil content, and quality

Effects of potassium and boron fertilization on sunflower yield, oil content, and quality

A genome-wide investigation of the mechanism underlying the effect of exogenous boron application on sugar content and overall quality of “Benihoppe” strawberries

In recent years, the widespread application of growth regulators and nutrients to boost yield and quality of strawberry fruits has led to the rapid growth of strawberry industry globally. Although the effects of major nutrients on strawberry yield have been widely studied, investigations into the effect of trace elements such as boron remain limited. This study examined the effect of boron application on the yield and quality of “Benihoppe” strawberry fruits. Nutrient solutions with varying boron concentrations (0, 0.024, 0.048, 0.072, and 0.096 mM) were applied to the plants, and their effect on fruit quality was evaluated. The results indicated that boron application enhanced the yield per plant, nutrient composition (total amino acid and vitamin C content), antioxidant properties (total phenol) and volatile components (esters) in strawberry fruits. Specifically, treatment with 0.048 mM boron concentration significantly increased the accumulation of soluble sugars, such as sucrose, whose concentration was 154.29% higher than that of the control treated with 0 mM concentration. This enhancement is attributable to the regulated expression of sucrose phosphate synthase (maker-Fvb2-2-augustus-gene-229.38) and β-fructofuranosidase-1/2/3 (augustus-masked-Fvb5-4-processed-gene-2.0, maker-Fvb5-3-augustus-gene-272.30, and maker-Fvb5-1-augustus-gene-0.37) genes, which play crucial roles in sugar metabolism and enzyme activity. Overall, boron application enhanced the quality of “Benihoppe” strawberries. The findings of this study offer substantial theoretical and practical guidance for using boron fertilizers in strawberry farming.

Boron availability and fertilizer response of maize in soils from sub‐Saharan Africa

AbstractBackground and aimsLow boron (B) availability is associated with strongly weathered, coarse‐textured, and low organic matter soils, widespread in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). It is unknown to what extent B fertilization can increase maize yields in SSA. This study aims to understand the soil properties controlling B availability to field‐grown maize.MethodsBoron fertilizer omission trials with maize were executed at 15 sites in Kenya, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Yield, B uptake, and soil parameters potentially relevant for B availability, including extractable soil B (hot water, 0.01 M CaCl2, and 0.43 M HNO3), were determined.ResultsSoil B pools were strongly intercorrelated and were positively correlated with organic carbon, suggesting the relevance of organic matter for soil B availability. Soil parameters described limited variation in B uptake and the yield response to B fertilization. Boron fertilization did not increase yields in any of the 15 sites but increased uptake in 11 sites. Yields were reduced through B fertilization in five sites, likely because B application induced toxicity. No clear critical soil or plant B concentrations indicating deficiency could be derived, but positive yield responses to B fertilization were absent with hot water B levels above 0.69 mg kg−1.ConclusionAssessing B fertilizer needs in maize grown in tropical soils based on soil or plant tissue concentrations remains challenging. Improving soil organic matter status could potentially alleviate B deficiency in crops when present. Recommendations are given to overcome the identified challenges associated with studying B availability in tropical soils.

Applying Boron Fertilizer at Different Growth Stages Promotes Boron Uptake and Productivity in Rice

Boron (B) is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and yield. We investigated the optimal growth stage for B fertilizer application for to improve rice production. The study was conducted using a 2 × 4 factorial design in a randomized complete block during the rainy season of 2022. We utilized two premium Thai rice varieties Khao Dawk Mali 105 (KDML105) and Pathum Thani 1 (PTT1), and four soil B fertilizer treatments: a control (no B application), B application at the tillering stage, B application at the flowering stage, and B application at both the tillering and flowering stages. The results showed that the application of B fertilizer at the flowering stage and at both the tillering and flowering stages increased grain yield by 25.0% and 34.0% in KDML105, respectively. In contrast, the grain yield of PTT1 did not show a response to B application. The increased grain yield in KDML105 was attributed to an increased number of panicles per plant and a higher filled grain rate, which was due to the elevated B concentration in all plant parts and the total B uptake, particularly when B was applied at the flowering and tillering stages. Notably, B application increased the fertilized grain rates and reduced the proportion of unfertilized grains, a phenomenon that corrected with the increased B concentration across all plant parts. The total B uptake ranged from 5.11 to 15.85 mg/m2 in KDML105 and from 8.37 to 24.26 mg/m2 in PTT1, with the highest total B uptake observed when B was applied at both the tillering and flowering stages for both rice varieties.

Synergic effect of nano urea, sulphur and boron fertilization on growth, yield and quality of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Synergic effect of nano urea, sulphur and boron fertilization on growth, yield and quality of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.)

Physiological responses, growth and productivity of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) as affected by boron fertilization

Physiological responses, growth and productivity of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) as affected by boron fertilization

Soil properties and nutrient uptake of maize (Zea mays) as influenced by mixed manure and blended inorganic fertilizer in Haramaya district, eastern Ethiopia

The deteriorating state of soil fertility and low agricultural productivity in Ethiopia can be traced to the lack of equivalent consideration given to the soil's biological, chemical, and physical properties. A pot experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of mixed manure and blended nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur and boron (NPSB) fertilizer on phosphorus adsorption, and other properties of Vertisols, nutrient uptake, and growth performance of maize. The study findings indicate that the combined application of mixed manure and blended NPSB significantly reduced soil pH from 7.87 to 7.68, phosphorus adsorption efficiency from 93 to 88.5 %, and Freundlich adsorption capacity from 194 to 100.75 mg kg−1 , intensity from 1.96 to 1.27 compared to control. However, combined application of these two treatments significantly increased the organic carbon from 0.81 to 1.64 %, total nitrogen from 0.04 to 0.13 %, and available phosphorus from 6.96 to 73.82 g kg−1. The study further revealed that mixed manure and blended NPSB resulted in significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher contents of nitrogen and phosphorus in the maize leaves as well as their uptake compared to their sole application and control. The highest values of these parameters were observed in plots treated with a combined application of 15 t ha−1 mixed manure with each rate of 100 and 150 kg ha−1 blended NPSB. Additionally, the maize plant height (p ≤ 0.05) and above-ground biomass (p ≤ 0.01) also exhibited significant increase. Compared to the control and full dose of NPSB, all the treatments that received a combined application of 15 t ha−1 mixed manure with blended NPSB ranging from 50 to 150 kg ha−1 resulted in significantly higher above-ground biomass of maize. The results suggest that the combined use of mixed manure and blended NPSB could be a practical and effective approach to improve soil properties and maize above-ground biomass yield.

Enhancing Yield and Yield Components of BARI Sarisha-14 and BARI Sarishaa-15 through Boron Fertilization

Boron is an essential micronutrient for mustard that plays important roles in growth, development as well as yield of mustard. A field experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory of Bangladesh during November through January to study the effect of boron fertilizer on the yield of mustard two varieties in T. aman rice- Mustard- Boro rice cropping pattern. The experiment consisted of two factors- Factor A: Two mustard cultivars viz., BARI Sarisha-14 and BARI Sarisha-15 and Factor B: Four levels of boron viz., 0 kg boron ha-1 (control), 0.5 kg boron ha-1 (50% of RD), 1.0 kg boron ha-1 (100% of RD) and 1.5 kg boron ha-1 (150% of RD). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Results reveal that yield and yield contributing characters were not significantly influenced by studied two mustard varieties except plant height. Numerically the higher seed yield was recorded from the variety BARI Sarisha-14. In case of level of boron application, the highest seed yield was obtained with the application of 1.0 kg boron ha-1 (100% of RD) which was followed by application of 1.5 kg boron ha-1 (150% of RD) and the lowest seed yield of mustard was recorded in control treatment (no boron application). From the interaction, it is observed that BARI Sarisha-14 with 1.0 kg boron ha-1 (100% of RD) produced the highest seed yield which was statistically similar with BARI Sarisha-15 with 1.0 kg boron ha-1 (100% of RD). From the results of the study, it may be concluded that BARI Sarisha-14 or BARI Sarisha-15 with 1.0 kg boron ha-1 (100% of RD) could be cultivated for obtaining highest seed yield of mustard in T. aman rice-Mustard-Boro rice-based cropping pattern.

Effect of Rhizobium Inoculation with Zinc and Boron Fertilizers on Growth and Yield of Mungbean (Vigna radiata L.)

Mungbean is considered as an extremely nutritious crop possessing a high level of micronutrients. The field experiment was conducted to evaluate the response of growth and yield of Mungbean to zinc, boron and rhizobium inoculation. The experiment was laid out in split-plot design with tree replications during kharif season of 2021 and 2022 at Instructional farm, Kamla Nehru Institute of Physical and Social Sciences Sultanpur, U.P. India. Four levels of zinc (0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 Kg Zn ha-1), three levels of boron (0, 0.5 and 1.0 Kg B ha-1) and two levels of rhizobium i.e. Uninoculated (Control) and inoculated were used in this study. Zinc levels were allocated to the main plots, boron levels in the sub-plot, while Rhizobium inoculation in the sub-sub plot. The results revealed that plant height, number of branches per plant, dry weight, number of nodules and seed and stover yield were higher in mungbean inoculated with Rhizobium inoculation with application of zinc 7.5 kg ha-1 and Application of boron 1.0 kg ha-1. The findings of the current study would improve the growth and yield of mungbean.

Impact of Irrigation and Tillage Systems Under Different Levels of Boron Fertilizer on the Growth and Productivity of Broccoli

Impact of Irrigation and Tillage Systems Under Different Levels of Boron Fertilizer on the Growth and Productivity of Broccoli

Exploring maize grain yield response to boron fertilization in Mollisols: Critical thresholds and predictive models

AbstractBackgroundThere are no extractable boron (B) thresholds for maize (Zea mays L.) in Mollisols determined by field calibrations.AimsOur objectives were to: (1) explore maize grain yield response to B fertilization, (2) calibrate the soil hot water extractable B (HW‐B) as a predictor of maize response to B fertilization under field conditions, and (3) assess the contribution of clay, pH, and soil organic matter (SOM) as predictive variables of maize response to B fertilization.MethodsWe conducted 53 field trials with 2 treatments: with and without B fertilization. At all sites, we measured clay, SOM, pH, and HW‐B at a 0–20 cm depth.ResultsMaize grain yield ranged from 5.34 to 17.35 Mg ha−1. Grain yield response to fertilization was observed in 6 out of 53 sites (11.3%). In responsive sites, average grain yield response was 1.0 Mg ha−1. Multiple regression models to predict yield response to B addition that included soil, pH, and SOM only explained 19% of the variability. The critical soil HW‐B concentration threshold was 0.78 mg kg−1, correctly diagnosing 79% of the site‐years.ConclusionThe critical threshold for maize B levels resulting from our field study is the first of its kind in Mollisols. This threshold will improve the identification of soils deficient in B.

Impact of Foliar Application of Boron on Yield and Yield Attributes, Assimilate Supply, Production Efficiency and Fertilizers Productivity of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea) in Field Experiments

Field experiments were conducted for three consecutive rabi seasons from 2018 to 2020 to assess the impact of foliar application of boron fertilizer on yield and yield attributes, assimilate supply, production efficiency and fertilizers productivity of Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. &Coss.]. The results showed that the number of primary branches/ plant (7.00 to 8.08), number of siliquae/plant (427.2 to 468.8), number of seeds/siliqua (13.03 to 14.01), test weight of seed (3.60 to 3.80 g) and plant dry matter production (38.10 to 41.20 g/plant) were significantly increased with T2 treatment (100% NPKS + foliar application of Boron @ 0.5% Borax) as compared to farmer’s practice T1 (100% NPKS + without boron) during three years of experiments. Significantly higher seed yield (22.5 to 24.7 q/ha) of the mustard crop was also reported with T2 (100% NPKS + foliar application of Boron @ 0.5% Borax) as compared to farmers’ practice T1 (100% NPKS + without boron) (seed yield 19 to 22.5 q/ha) during the studies. Similarly, Treatment T2 resulted in significantly higher production efficiency and assimilates supply of mustard crop than that of T1 (farmer’s practice). The fertilizer productivity in the mustard crop that is directly related to seed yield and the partial factor of productivity of N, P, K and S fertilizers (PFPNPKS) were also increased significantly with the T2 compared to farmers practiceT1(farmer’s practice), during 3 years of studies. The highest gross return and net return and benefit-cost ratio were obtained with T2 (100% NPKS + foliar application of Boron @ 0.5% Borax) treatment over T1 (100% NPKS + without boron).

Response of Durum Wheat (Triticum durum L.) Genotypes to Blended NPSB Fertilizer Rates and Wheat Rust Diseases in Southern Ethiopia

Lack of improved varieties and soil fertility degradation are among the major factors that limit durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L.) production in Ethiopia. The objectives of this study were to determine the response of durum wheat cultivars (i) to nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, and boron (NPSB) fertilizer blend; (ii) rust infection; and (iii) partial budget analysis using NPSB fertilizer blend. A 2-location experiment was conducted in 2021 in South Ethiopia to evaluate the response of 4 durum wheat genotypes to blended NPSB fertilizer rates in a randomized complete block design in a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement. The results showed significant (P<0.05) differences due to genotypes (G), rate of NPSB fertilizer (F), and location (E) for all the parameters. The effects due to the G × F × E interaction were significant (P<0.05) for the number of total tillers, number of productive tillers, and grain yield (GY). A significant (P<0.05) G × E interaction was observed for the majority of parameters except days to 50% heading and plant height. Durum wheat genotype S3-213037 produced the highest grain yield of 3689.3 kg·ha−1 when NPSB fertilizer was applied at a rate of 225 kg·ha−1 at Adekoysha. Moreover, partial budget analysis indicated that genotype S3-213037 accrued a maximum benefit of 112,986.50 birr·ha−1 and the highest marginal rate of return of 1356.4% when NPSB fertilizer was applied at a rate of 225 kg·ha−1. Therefore, this study indicated that the application of an NPSB fertilizer rate of 225 kg·ha−1 could be used in the production of durum wheat in the East African region with similar agroecologies to the study area.

Effect of boron fertilization on productivity and sustainability of rice-wheat cropping system in Tarai region, North-West India

Extensive global dependency on rice and wheat crops has necessitated the adoption of intensive cultivation practices, thereby compelling to closely monitor the potential yield-limiting factors, among which, boron (B) deficiency stands out to be a prime concern. The present study explores the effects of B fertilization strategies within the Rice-Wheat Cropping System (RWCS) in the Tarai region of North-West India. A comprehensive six-year field experiment was conducted (2013–2019) at G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Uttarakhand, India. The experiment tested graded B doses (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 kg ha−1) at varied frequencies (single, alternate, and annual) in a factorial design. The study revealed significant impacts of alternate B application at 1.5 kg ha−1 on crop yields and the Sustainable Yield Index (SYI). The System Rice Equivalent Yield (SREY) exhibited an increase of 6.7% with B supplementation over B-deprived plots, highlighting the pivotal role of B fertilizer in enhancing productivity within the RWCS. The economic optimum B dose was found to be 1.422 kg ha−1 using a linear plus plateau model, resulting in a calculated annual SREY of 9.73 t ha−1 when applied alternately to the cropping system. Continuous application and higher B rates demonstrated substantial increases in various B fractions, while the mobility factor remained within 10%, depicting safe ecological limits. The distribution of fractions in B-treated plots on average followed the order: residual B > organically-bound B > oxide bound B > specifically adsorbed B > readily soluble B. Similarities in the distribution patterns of B fractions between B-treated plots and the control indicated potential influence of biotic or abiotic processes on B fraction dynamics, even in the absence of external B application. To sum up, B application in alternate years at 1.5 kg ha−1 was most sustainable in enhancing the SREY, SYI, available soil B, and B fractions and lowering the environmental hazards.

The effect of non-root fertilizing on the yield and quality of plum fruits of the Velikaya sinyaya variety in arid conditions of the Northern Precaspian Sea

The research was carried out in order to study the effect of non-root fertilizing using complex fertilizers on the yield and quality of plum fruits of the Velikaya sinyaya variety in the Astrakhan region. The following treatment variants with complex fertilizers were used in the experiment: Master; Aquarin; Ultramag Boron + Ultramag Calcium; Aquarin + Ultramag Boron + Ultramag Calcium. Non-root fertilizing of plum plants was carried out before flowering, after flowering and during fruit development. On average for 2021-2023 non-root treatments contributed to an increase in the number of plum ovaries compared with the control (water treatment) by 3.3...26.7 %, the best result was obtained in the variant Ultramag Boron + Ultramag Calcium. In all variants of the experiment, foliar fertilization increased the yield of plum of the Velikaya sinyaya variety by 3.1...4.2 t/ha (LSD05 = 0.1 t/ha). The highest yield of plum fruits was formed in the variant Aquarin + Ultramag Boron + Ultramag Calcium – 12.9 t/ha (in the control – 8.7 t/ha). The maximum values of the average fruit weight were obtained in the variants Ultramag Boron + Ultramag Calcium and Aquarin + Ultramag Boron + Ultramag Calcium – 45.1 and 45.6 g, respectively (in the control – 43.3 g, LSD05 = 1.2 g). Foliar fertilizing with Ultramag Boron fertilizers together with Ultramag Calcium provided a higher sugar content (14.2 %) and the value of the sugar acid index (17.7) in the fruits of the Velikaya sinyaya plum variety (at the control – 13.2 % and 16.5 respectively).

Effect of Boron Fertilization and Boron Enriched Organic Manures on Yield Boron Use Efficiency and Nutrient Uptake by Tomato in Coastal Soil

Effect of Boron Fertilization and Boron Enriched Organic Manures on Yield Boron Use Efficiency and Nutrient Uptake by Tomato in Coastal Soil

Residual effect of sulphur and boron fertilization as influenced by liming on yield and yield attributes of summer greengram under rapeseed-greengram cropping sequence

Residual effect of sulphur and boron fertilization as influenced by liming on yield and yield attributes of summer greengram under rapeseed-greengram cropping sequence

Boron nutrition improves peanuts yield and seed quality in a low B sandy soil

ABSTRACT Peanuts are mainly grown in sandy soils with low boron content, which may limit the crop yield, especially runner-type cultivars that have high-yields. Boron deficiency causes hollow heart in peanut seeds, reducing yield and seed quality, but the best strategy to supply boron to peanut is still not known. This study aimed to evaluate peanuts nutrition, yield, and seed quality as a function of boron rate, source, and application form. The study was conducted for two years in sandy soils with low boron in southeastern Brazil. Treatments included application of boron via soil: control (boron unfertilized), boric acid at 1.5 kg ha -1 of B, Ulexite (1.5 and 3.0 kg ha -1 of B), and sodium tetraborate (1.5 and 3.0 kg ha -1 of B) combined with foliar fertilization (sub-plots): 0, 400, 800 and 1200 g ha -1 of B (boric acid) with four replicates. Boron fertilization via soil and foliar increased peanuts yield by 20 % (1100 kg ha -1 ) and 14 % (700 kg ha -1 ) - the average of the two crops, respectively. Combined use of soil and foliar fertilizer was justified only in years with water deficit and when the rate applied via soil was low (<3.0 kg ha -1 ). Boron application via soil or application of 400 g ha -1 of B via foliar fertilization increased seed germination rate by 10 to 13 %. Boron fertilization increased the percentage of normal seedlings, seedling weight, and length and reduced the germination time. Foliar and soil boron applications efficiently improved peanut seed nutrition, yield, and quality. However, soil application performed better, showing a higher percentage of yield increase.

Improving cotton yield and fiber quality in different tropical soils with boron fertilization

AbstractCotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is responsive to boron (B) fertilization when there is low soil availability, but the best source and rate to be used and whether this response is dependent on soil texture are still unknown. This study aimed to adjust boron fertilization for cotton as a function of the production environment and B source used. Two field experiments were conducted in the 2020/2021 season in Chapadão do Sul, MS (clayey soil—adequate B content) and Dracena, SP (sandy soil—low B content), Brazil. Treatments consisted of B sources (ulexite [low solubility], borax pentahydrate [BP] [intermediate solubility], and boric acid [BA] [high solubility]), and B rates (0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 kg ha−1) applied to the soil at 25 days after plant emergence. In sandy soil with low B content, application of 2 (high and medium solubility sources) and 4 kg B ha−1 (low solubility source) improved fiber yield between 10% (210 kg ha−1 fiber) and 28% (555 kg ha−1), respectively, as well as micronaire index, strength, elongation, uniformity, and short fibers. Application of B greater than 4 kg ha−1 via soluble sources reduced (between 9% (175 kg ha−1)—BP and 14% (257 kg ha−1)—BA) fiber yield only in sandy soil. When B content in the soil is adequate, B fertilization did not improve yield, but increased fiber strength (4%—1.1 g tex−1) and reduced the short fiber index (16%) by applying 1 kg B ha−1, regardless of the source used. The highest fiber yields were obtained with leaf B contents between 12 and 17 mg kg−1 (sandy soil) and 25 and 27 mg kg−1 (clayey soil). We recommend applying 2 kg B ha−1 (solubility sources) and 4 kg B ha−1 (low solubility source) in sandy soils with low B content to improve yield and fiber quality, and 1 kg B ha−1 in clayey soil with adequate B content to improve fiber quality and replace B amounts removed through harvesting.

Variations in rhizosphere soil dominant and pathogenic flora improve boron-efficient Beta vulgaris L. yield under boron deficit

Boron (B)-efficient sugarbeet can potentially adapt better to the B deficient soil environments, however the characteristics of root yield or quality and rhizosphere soil microbial dynamics associated with B-efficient beet roots are extremely understudied. This study aimed to clarify the root yield characteristics and rhizosphere microbial response of B-efficient sugarbeet variety under B deficiency. Pertinently, the findings of this study will contribute to the reduction of B resource consumption and cleaner production in sugarbeet planting management. The study utilized two sugarbeet varieties with different B utilization propensities and subjected them to normal and B deficient field conditions. Results demonstrated a reduction in the yield quality of both varieties under B deficiency, but the B-efficient variety exhibited a smaller reduction. Boron deficiency reduced the species richness and diversity of the rhizospheric microbial community, decreasing the relative abundance of Actinobacteriota, Acidobacteria, while increasing that of Proteobacteria, Chloroflexi and the pathogenic fungus Fusarium. The proportion of dominant bacterial was severely reduced in B-inefficient varieties (0.86%) compared to B-efficient varieties (0.14%). The efficient variety displayed higher species richness of rhizospheric soil fungi and a higher abundance and proportion of dominant flora, i.e., Bacillus and Actinobacteria, albeit lower abundance of the pathogenic fungi Mortierellomycota and Rhizoctonia. These advantages allowed B-efficient sugarbeet variety to maintain higher yield levels under B deficit. Overall, under B-deficient conditions, B-efficient variety of sugarbeet was less limited than B-inefficient one, and its rhizosphere microbial communities were more conducive to sugarbeet yield in terms of composition and function. Succinctly, this study revealed the advantages of rhizosphere soil microorganisms associated with B-efficient beet under B-deficient environments and provided the theoretical basis for reducing boron fertilizer application to protect the ecosystem and realize green and clean agricultural production, particularly of sugar beet.