Boron Deficiency in Bermudagrass
Bermudagrass requires a high fertility soil for optimum production. Well-drained soils with a good supply of nutrients is key to set the potential high forage yields. Additionally, it is recommended to correct the soil pH to around 6 to optimize nutrient uptake by the root system.
Bermudagrass is not very sensitive to boron-deficiency. However as with any other plant, bermudagrass requires an adequate supply of boron to reach its yield potential. The most common symptom of possible deficiency is decreased forage yields, especially during late spring and early summer cuttings when weather conditions are hot and dry.
The critical level of hot-water-soluble boron for bermudagrass in most soils is not well established but it ranges between 0.1-0.4 ppm, depending on the soil pH, organic matter content, and texture. Bermudagrass grown on soils below the critical level may respond to boron application, depending on the variety and the weather conditions during the growing season. If boron levels are above 0.4 ppm, boron applications may not influence yield.
When applying a foliar application in the recommended amounts, a small fraction of the actual boron will be absorbed through the plant tissue. Most boron will be absorbed via the roots.