Boron fertilization influences on soybean yield and leaf and seed boron concentrations

Soybean [Glycine max (Merr.) L.] is considered relatively insensitive to B deficiency. However, B deficiency has recently become a common nutrient deficiency of soybean in northeast Arkansas. Field studies were conducted on four alkaline silt-loam soils in northeast Arkansas to determine the influen...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Agronomy journal 2006-01, Vol.98 (1), p.198-205
Main Authors: Ross, J.R, Slaton, N.A, Brye, K.R, DeLong, R.E
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Agronomy. Soil science and plant productions
application timing
Biological and medical sciences
Boron
boron fertilizers
crop yield
fertilizer rates
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Glycine max
leaves
nutrient content
plant development
plant nutrition
profitability
seeds
Soybeans
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Summary:Soybean [Glycine max (Merr.) L.] is considered relatively insensitive to B deficiency. However, B deficiency has recently become a common nutrient deficiency of soybean in northeast Arkansas. Field studies were conducted on four alkaline silt-loam soils in northeast Arkansas to determine the influence of B application time and rate on soybean growth, tissue B concentration, and seed yield. Boron fertilizer was applied at 0, 0.28, 0.56, 1.12, and 2.24 kg B ha(-1) near the V2 or R2 growth stages. Boron fertilization had no significant effect on soybean yield at one site but increased seed yields from 4 to 130% at three sites. At the most responsive site, B application at V2 increased yields by 13% compared with applications at R2. In contrast, at a site where leaf B concentrations were sufficient for soybean receiving no B, B applied at the R2 stage significantly increased seed yields by 5% compared with V2 B applications. Trifoliate leaf B concentrations at the R2 stage increased as B rate increased. Seed B concentrations also increased as B rate increased. Boron applied at the R2 stage resulted in equal or greater seed B concentrations than B applied at the V2 stage. Application of 0.28 to 1.12 kg B ha(-1) during early vegetative or reproductive growth was sufficient to produce near maximal yields. The expected severity of B deficiency plus fertilizer and application costs associated with B fertilization should be considered when selecting the most appropriate B fertilization strategy.
ISSN:0002-1962
1435-0645
DOI:10.2134/agronj2005-0131