Analysis of Lancrop Laboratories data from the last 2 years show that over 80% of all oilseed foliar samples tested are deficient in Boron.
Yara’s Head of Agronomy, Mark Tucker, comments "the typical Boron deficiency levels we have identified in this analysis translate to a yield penalty of 0.14 t/ha or around £35/ha. Across the UK, we estimate that 400,000 hectares of oilseed are deficient in Boron, delivering a significant loss in income to the sector as a whole.
"Growers should look seriously at introducing Boron to their crop nutrition programmes" continues Mr Tucker. "Independent research carried out in 2008/09 shows that if growers follow recommended best practice by applying boron in autumn and spring, then yield increases of 0.4 t/ha can be achieved, delivering a potential £40 million boost to the arable sector.
"Boron is a critical nutrient for cell division in the crop. High demand occurs during 3 periods of rapid crop growth and development; in the autumn as roots develop and more importantly root mass increases, early spring when stem extension occurs and finally during flowering, as spring turns to summer, Boron is required to produce viable pollen.
"It is important for growers to take both soil and foliar analysis to determine the severity of any deficiency - ensuring autumn and spring Boron treatments are carried out will certainly contribute to achieving higher yields in 2010" concludes Mr Tucker.
Yara has recently launched a new fertilizer grade for oilseed crops called ACTYVA B – an NPK that contains Boron for use as the first spring fertilizer.
