As we all know, Boron is a chemical element belonging to the periodic table.
It is a metalloid, semiconductor, its symbol is B, its atomic number is 5, and it can be found in plenty in minerals such as borax.
It has many different functions,
for example it is used to make enamels for kitchen utensils and to obtain special high-strength steels, its fibres have mechanical applications in aerospace, it is used in pyrotechnics, in textile products, as a wood preservative, etc., and it is also used as a micronutrient in the fertilisation of many crops.
BENEFITS OF BORON FOR AGRICULTURE
Boron is an essential micronutrient which plays an active role in all growth processes of plants and crops: division, cell growth, germination, hormone regulation, shoot development, meristem development, etc.
Its main functions are related to:
- Cell division in growing organs. Boron is essential in the active growth regions of plants: root tips and the development of buds and new leaves.
- The development and resistance of cell walls. Boron acts on the assimilation of calcium in the plant by strengthening cell structures (cell lignification).
- Translocation of sugars and carbohydrates to the reserve organs.
- The formation of certain proteins.
- Fruit and seed development through hormone regulation.
Plant hormones that regulate many reproductive and growth functions, e.g. floral initiation, fruit development, tissue and cell wall formation.
In this entire process, Boron plays a fundamental role in regulating hormone levels in the biochemistry of the crop.
One of its main characteristics is the role it plays in pollination and fruit setting.
It is involved in the growth of the pollen tube during flowering, so flowering and the entire reproductive system are extremely sensitive to the amount of Boron the plant has at that time.
Many of the functions performed by Boron intersect and complement those performed by Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and Calcium in crops.
This balance in nutrition is essential for plant growth to meet all expectations.
BORON DEFICIENCY IN PLANTS
There is no reservoir of Boron in the soil. Plants take it up depending on its presence and availability in the soil solution.
Boron in high pH soil conditions is fixed or adsorbed, decreasing its availability to plants which may lead to Boron deficiency.
The most common Boron deficiency characteristics found in many crops are
- Young leaves are deformed, thick, brittle and small, and can sometimes show signs of chlorosis, such as in olive leaves.
- Short stems.
- Cessation of growth.
- Development of axillary meristems, plants become bushy.
- Deformed fruit.
- Damaged root growth.
If you have any doubts about how to apply Boron fertilisers, about the benefits of Boron for agriculture, about the advice to follow for the use of Boron fertilisers or about the consequences of Boron deficiency in plants, please do not hesitate to contact us,
we’re here to help. Please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss it with you!
