Diagnostics of boron deficiency for plants in reference to boron concentration in the soil solution

Abstract

The determination of a range of boron concentration in the soil solution, evaluation of the effect of physicochemical soil properties on boron concentration in the soil solution as well verification whether boron quantity in the soil solution is sufficient for nutritional needs of selected plants cultivated in Poland were comprised. Average boron concentration in the soil solution of Poland's cultivated soils ranges from 0.59 to 5.07 μmol/L and is differentiated by physico-chemical properties of soil. Taking into account decreasing effects of soil properties on the increase of boron concentration in the soil solution, the soil properties can be arranged as follows: organic C > soil abundance in available boron > soil texture > soil pH. The minimum boron quantity observed in the soil solution of Poland's cultivated soils was not sufficient to fulfil nutritional needs of the plants. The maximum boron quantity observed secured nutritional needs of cereals and potatoes but not those of rape plants and sugar beets. Based on the study it can be concluded that the measurement of the concentration of boron in the soil solution can be used in the diagnosis of deficiency of this element for crops.