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    NUTRIENT:

    BORON

    Boron (B) is a micronutrient that is essential for cell wall formation and rapid growing points within the plant, such as reproductive structures.

    Unique Micronutrient

    Interestingly, while higher plants require B, animals, fungi and microorganisms do not need this nutrient.

    Benefit breakdown

    Improves Seed Set

    Boron improves seed set under stressful conditions.

    Cell Walls

    Although required in small amounts, boron is a component of all cell walls in the plant.

    Deficiencies

    Boron deficiencies are more pronounced during drought periods, when root activity is restricted.

    pt_nutrient_details_soybean

    Proper Rate & Placement

    The line between deficiency and toxicity is narrower than other essential nutrients. Farmers should apply at proper rate and with proper placement.

    Broadcast Soil Applications

    Corn most effectively uses boron when it's applied through broadcast soil applications.

      • Improves Seed Set

        Boron improves seed set under stressful conditions.

      • Cell Walls

        Although required in small amounts, boron is a component of all cell walls in the plant.

      • Deficiencies

        Boron deficiencies are more pronounced during drought periods, when root activity is restricted.

      • Proper Rate & Placement

        The line between deficiency and toxicity is narrower than other essential nutrients. Farmers should apply at proper rate and with proper placement.

      • Broadcast Soil Applications

        Corn most effectively uses boron when it's applied through broadcast soil applications.

      Boron deficiency symptoms

      Symptoms of deficiency can vary across crop species, but similarities exist for how nutrient insufficiency impacts plant tissue color and appearance. Nutrient deficiencies are commonly associated with the physical location on the plant (i.e., whether the symptoms are primarily observed on older versus newly formed plant tissue), but these symptoms can spread as the severity of the deficiency progresses.

      Boron Deficiency in Corn

      All photos are provided courtesy of the The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) and its TFI Crop Nutrient Deficiency Image Collection. The photos above are a sample of a greater collection, which provides a comprehensive sampling of hundreds of classic cases of crop deficiency from research plots and farm fields located around the world. For access to the full collection, you can visit TFI's website.

      Looking to dig deeper into boron?

      Browse the Resource Library for Boron-related articles, research insights and more.

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