Combating the effects of climate with boron
This densely populated region of China includes some of the country’s most important agricultural centers, including the provinces of Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Shandong. Most of eastern China enjoys a temperate climate with hot and rainy summers and cold, dry winters. The vast majority of rainfall occurs during summer monsoon season, creating ideal rice growing conditions. However, excessive moisture also brings challenges, specifically boron deficiency. When there is not enough boron in the soil, boron deficiency can reduce crop yields, quality, and income.
Heilongjiang, located in the far northeast corner, accounts for about 10% of all staple grain output in China. Millions of acres of fertile farmland are devoted to growing sugar beets, soybeans, corn, and wheat. Heilongjiang is also the country's largest producer of rice and beans.
Jilin is the noted rice-producing region of China and a major producer of corn, grain sorghum, millet, and beans. The most important commercial crops grown are sugar beets and tobacco, as well as flax, sunflower, and sesame.
Shandong, on the Yellow Sea, is the country’s second most populous province. Its diversified agricultural and industrial economy produces many food and cash crops for local consumption and export. The leading food crops—wheat, corn, soybeans, millet, and sweet potatoes—account for most of the area’s production, with the remaining arable land devoted to cash crops such as peanuts and cotton.