Boron applications to pastures: effect on herbage and soil boron concentrations

摘要

Abstract The effects of boron (B) applications to pastures on herbage and extractable soil B concentrations were studied at four sites in Southland and Otago, New Zealand. The application of B significantly enhanced both herbage and extractable soil B concentrations; however, no pasture yield responses to B were observed. Results from the trials suggest that herbage dry matter (DM) responses to B are unlikely unless B concentrations in clover are well below 25 μg B/g plant DM and/or extractable soil B levels are well below 0.8 μg B/g soil. A relatively small proportion (often less than 5%) of the B applied to pastures was taken up by the herbage. However, substantial amounts of applied B were present in the soil in extractable forms for periods up to 1 year after application.