Alfalfa is known for its high production and greater nutritional values. Alfalfa also takes up boron in larger amounts than other crops. When soil boron test levels are low at the beginning of the crop season, deciding whether to apply boron and in what quantity can be concerning.
In a recent Agronomy Journal article, researchers report on two-year study in Creston, MT on ground with low soil boron. The response of alfalfa yield, forage quality, and petiole boron content to five B rates and three water regimes (rainfed, 50%, and 100% evapotranspiration) were quantified.
The team found that foliar-applied B did not increase yield and crude protein of alfalfa in either year, despite the indication of increased concentration of boron in the tissues as the boron application is increased. A similar trend was observed across moisture regimes. Boron concentration in tissues also increased as the level of available moisture increased regardless of boron. Also in this study, the yield of the 50% evapotranspiration was similar to 100% evapotranspiration.
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