Boron deficiency diagnosis and management in field crops in calcareous soils of Pakistan: A mini review

Year 2017, Volume: 2 Issue: 3, 142 - 152, 30.12.2017

Abdul Rashid Ejaz Rafique

Abstract

The ~22 million ha soils of Pakistan (23° 53՜ to 36° 49՜ N, 61° 15՜ to
74° 50՜ E) are predominantly calcareous and low in organic matter. Boron (B) deficiency
is prevalent in 35–56% areas under field crops causing yield, produce quality
and economic losses. Boron deficiency is more severe in rainfed than irrigated
soils. Both hot water extraction and dilute HCl method are used for evaluating
B status; and locally determined B internal B requirement varies from 53 mg kg^-1
in cotton leaves to 17 mg kg^-1  in young sorghum plants. Extent and severity of B
deficiency in crops have been determined and spatial variability of B in soils
and crops has been mapped. Boron
fertilization increases crop yields appreciably (e.g., cotton and wheat,
14%; rice, 15–25%) and,
thus, is highly cost-effective,
more so by foliar feeding. Annually applied 0.75–1.0 kg B ha^-1
corrects the deficiency; 2–3 foliar sprays of 0.1% B solution are also
effective. Boron use improves produce quality; e.g., rice milling return, head rice recovery and
cooking quality. Soil B
fertilization leaves residual effect for 2–4 crops, and repeated annual applications of 1.0
kg B ha^-1 in calcareous soils were safe. However, current B
fertilizer use in Pakistan is negligible, i.e., 92 Mg B per annum compared with
potential requirement of 2245 Mg B per annum. Constraints to B use include
stakeholders’ ignorance about benefits of B use and inadequate availability of
quality B fertilizers.

Keywords

Boron deficiency, Calcareous soils, Diagnosis, Field crops, Management

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