The Role of Boron Fertilizer and an Introduction to Correct Application Methods

Boron fertilizer is a type of micronutrient fertilizer whose main nutrient is the element boron. Common varieties include borax, boric acid, boron-magnesium fertilizer, and boron-containing superphosphate. In plants, boron takes part in processes such as cell wall construction, sugar transport, and reproductive growth. Although crops need it only in small amounts, once it is deficient they cannot flower and fruit normally.

When crops are deficient in boron, typical symptoms include shrinking of growing points, malformed and brittle new leaves, stunted plants, flowers that fail to set fruit, and corky, cracked, or misshapen fruit. Rapeseed, cotton, sugar beet, fruit trees, and legumes are relatively sensitive to boron. Applying boron appropriately to these crops often noticeably improves fruit set and product quality.

Boron fertilizer is mainly applied in two ways: as a base application and as a foliar spray. When used as a base fertilizer, the amount must be strictly controlled, and it should be thoroughly mixed with organic fertilizer or other fertilizers before application to avoid excessively high local concentrations. Foliar spraying is mostly scheduled from the seedling stage to the flowering stage. The concentration should be dilute rather than strong, and if necessary it can be sprayed two or three times in succession for a more stable boron supplementation effect.

When using boron fertilizer, special attention must be paid to applying the right amount. The suitable range for boron is relatively narrow, and an excess can easily cause toxicity, with symptoms such as scorched leaf edges and premature withering and drop of old leaves. Applying boron fertilizer together with organic fertilizer gives better results, and on dry plots it is especially important to prevent a single concentrated excessive application. Different soils and crops vary greatly in their boron requirements. When conditions allow, the application rate can be determined based on soil test results, so as to supplement according to need and fertilize scientifically.