Boron (B) is a critical micronutrient essential for plant development and yield outcome. Boron is highly responsive in row crops and is a major component in the grain development process for crops. It plays a vital role in the translocation within plants leaving it prone to movement, or leaching, in the soil causing deficiencies when growers need it most. Get a head start on beating nutrient deficiency during the growing season by knowing what to look for and knowing the solutions before it’s too late. 

Function of Boron in plants

From promoting maturity and improving seed set to maintaining stability and function of plants cell wall membranes, Boron contributes many functions to proper plant growth.

Essential in plant growth and cell development, and even more critical in seed (grain) development, it is important to have adequate B available in the soil to ensure optimal growth, especially in the reproductive stages of the growing season. Ample B supply is also necessary for nitrogen fixation in legume crops.

Boron enhances the uptake of Ca, Mg and K and aids in the use and regulations of other nutrients like phosphorus and potassium through a healthy root structure. 

Signs and Symptoms of Boron Deficiency

As an important factor in cell growth, B deficiency can be easily identified through the growing tips of the root or shoot as well as:

• Poor seed set
• Breakdown of growing tip tissue
• Delay in new growth and death of younger leaves
• Breakdown of root crops developing dark discolorations
• Rhizobia development in the roots is inhibited
• Decrease in rate of water absorption3

Causes of Boron Deficiency 

Boron is one of the most commonly deficient nutrients brought on by several different causes. A few factors causing B deficiency and lack of availability include:

• Soils with low moisture
• Coarse, well drained sandy soils and soils with low organic matter
• Irrigated sandy soils, and soils with a pH>8

Solutions for Boron Deficiency  

Soil-testing and comparing year-to-year yields are ways to identify not only B deficiency but also all nutrient levels in your field. When it comes to B there is a thin line between too little and too much, so it is best to only apply the right amount of B needed at the right rate. There are several ways to apply B to be considered when making a fertilization game plan.

Foliar nutrition should be an important part of your overall crop fertilization strategy to maximize crop yields. Always think about ways to be proactive with foliar nutrition rather than just using it to fix a problem. 

Applying foliar nutrients gives you the ability to apply nutrients the plant needs as it is developing. Plants have increased demands for certain nutrients during growth stages. Applying foliar nutrients at the ideal time and in the appropriate form, results in improved plant health and development to increase overall crop yields. 

Moxon B for foliar boron equipped with the patented Levesol® chelate to increase nutrient availability and translocation into the plant.  The Levesol chelate works synergistically to increase nutrient availability and translocation into the plant. At a convenient use rate and easy to add to herbicide applications, Moxon B is great addition to any fertility plan.

For more information on Boron and crop nutrient needs, contact your CHS Agronomy Representative or visit CHSAgronomy.com/crop-nutrients.