What is it?
Boron is a micronutrient necessary for plant growth. Without adequate boron in the soil, plants may appear healthy but will not flower or fruit. Water, organic matter and soil texture are all factors that affect boron in soil. The balance of too little or too much between plants and boron is a delicate one.
Plants need boron during their growing season. Therefore, you should apply it to your annuls and perennial crops during spring or fall, especially during the early bloom, reproductive stage, and fruiting. However, spring will be the best time if you have coarse or sandy soil.
How to use it?
Tips to avoid boron toxicity
To avoid toxicity arising from boron application, do the following:
Use correct application rates depending on what soil analysis and tissue tests reveal, soil type, plant sensitivity, etc.
Apply at early stages in crop rotation to ensure the little residual effect on sensitive plants.
Beware of residual effects. The previous application may last up to 3-4 years, depending on application rate, soil texture/type, rainfall, and irrigation amounts. Most products have a lifespan of three years except for sandy or well-drained, irrigated soils.
Avoid planting grass crops like milo, fescue, or corn immediately after applying boron.
Always incorporate boron after application. However, you can still opt for no-till.