Boron Deficiency in Soybeans
Boron is essential for all plant growth. Soybeans, like all legumes, have a high boron requirement. Boron is necessary for:
- Stimulation of root growth
- Increased soybean root nodulation development for nitrogen fixation
- Increased branching and flowering
- Increased bloom retention
- Increased number of pods
- Better seed development and grain yield
Soybeans are considered non-responsive to boron. And, soybeans appear to be sensitive to boron toxicity, especially when the boron is applied to the leaves. However, yield reductions do not necessarily accompany leaf spotting and marginal necrosis caused by excessive boron accumulation.
What does boron deficiency in soybeans look like?
As with many plants, the earliest sign of boron deficiency in soybeans occurs in the roots. The root tips die and new roots are initiated giving a rosette appearance.
Likewise, the death of the shoot growing point is followed by prolific development of lateral shoots with brittle petioles.