Boron deficiency in Crops

Boron deficiency typically occurs in soils with low organic matter, sandy soils, and soils with high pH (alkaline soils). It is also common in highly leached soils where boron is easily washed away. Sandy soils and soils with low organic matter are more prone to boron deficiency. Boron deficiency is more prevalent during the dry seasons when soil moisture is low, as boron availability decreases with reduced soil moisture.

What are symptoms of Boron deficiency?

Dying growing tips and bushy, stunted growth
Brittle foliage and yellowing of lower leaf tips
Reduced flowering and fruiting
Distorted and cracked stems, petioles, and midribs
Brown patches or rot in root crops like beets and turnips

In India, Brassicas (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli), Root vegetables (beets, turnips, carrots) and Fruits (apples, pears, mangoes) are most susceptible to Boron deficiency. Brown heart in root crops, water core in apples, internal browning in beets and carrots etc. are some of the diseases due to boron deficiency. This deficiency can impair the uptake and utilization of other nutrients, particularly calcium, leading to further deficiencies and poor plant health.

Boron Deficiency most common in what regions and soil types?

Boron deficiency is a significant concern in Indian soils, impacting crop productivity. Here are some regions and soil types in India where boron deficiency is commonly observed:

Bihar: Boron-deficient soils are widely found in Bihar.
Tamil Nadu: In Tamil Nadu, certain areas suffer from boron deficiency.
Eastern Uttar Pradesh: This region also experiences boron deficiency.
Gujarat: Calcareous soils in Gujarat are prone to boron deficiency.
Rajasthan: Sandy soils in Rajasthan can be deficient in boron.
Haryana: Sandy soils in Haryana are another hotspot for boron deficiency.
Orissa: Some areas in Orissa exhibit boron deficiency.
Karnataka: Specific zones like Udupi (coastal), Chikmagalore, Kodagu, and Shimoga (hilly), among others, may have boron-deficient soils.
For accurate information on calcium Boron levels in specific regions of India, it’s best to conduct soil testing or consult ICL agricultural experts.

How to manage Boron deficiency

To manage Boron deficiency, farmers can use:

Borax: A natural mineral that can be used in small amounts to correct boron deficiency.
Seaweed extracts: These can provide a natural source of boron and other micronutrients
Specialty fertilizers from ICL tailored to Indian needs

Regular soil testing is recommended to monitor boron levels and adjust management practices accordingly. Consult your local ICL agronomist team for your crop specific needs.