Boron fertilizers: Use, challenges and the benefit of slow-release sources – a review

Year 2017, Volume: 2 Issue: 3, 111 - 122, 30.12.2017

Fien Degryse

Abstract

Boron (B) is an essential plant nutrient, but can be toxic when present
in excess. Boron is usually present as an uncharged molecule (H₃BO₃⁰)
in the soil solution and is highly mobile in most soils. Deficiency of B is
therefore quite common in high-rainfall environments, especially on sandy
soils. Boron fertilizers are commonly used to correct its deficiency in crops.
The most commonly used fertilizers are soluble sodium borates (e.g., borax),
but care should be taken with rates and placement of such B products, since
elevated B concentrations may result in seedling toxicity and yield reduction.
Moreover, significant leaching losses of applied B may occur in high-rainfall
environments. Slow-release B sources reduce both the risk of seedling toxicity
and of leaching, and can provide adequate supply of B over a longer period.
This may allow for lower B rates or less frequent application compared to
soluble fertilizers. The most commonly used slow-release B sources are
sparingly soluble ores, such as colemanite. The limited data in the literature
indicate that the release rate of B from slow-release sources in soil depends
both on fertilizer characteristics and soil properties. However, more research
is needed to predict the release rate of B from various B ores for given soil and
climatic conditions. In recent years, slow-release coatings and matrices for N
fertilizers have received considerable attention and these new technologies may
potentially also be adopted for B-containing fertilizers. 

Keywords

Boron, Toxicity, Deficiency, Leaching, Slow-release fertilizer

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