Farmers urged to add boron to brassica crops

9 August 2006

Farmers urged to add boron to brassica crops

Ballance Agri-Nutrients is urging farmers to have their soil tested for boron deficiency before sowing brassica crops this spring.

Boron deficiency is a widespread problem and can greatly reduce the quality and quantity of brassica yields. The symptoms of boron deficiency tend to be indicated by a hollowing out of the bulb or stem.

Ballance Agri-Nutrients’ Technical Advisor Aaron Stafford says farmers are encouraged to have their soil tested to determine the boron levels in their soil and if required, add a boron additive to their fertiliser before sowing their brassica crops.

“Soil testing is a simple procedure but one that can prove to be very beneficial. Crop risk to boron deficiency can be identified with a soil test, and the deficiency can be easily addressed by using the correct rate of boron in the fertiliser application. In several trials Ballance Agri-Nutrients has undertaken, boron has significantly enhanced brassica yield.

“Farmers rely on brassica crops for stock feed during periods when pasture growth is low and feed demand would otherwise outstrip feed supply. It is therefore imperative that when farmers come to graze their brassica crop, that yield has not been compromised by boron deficiency.”

The amount of boron that needs to be added to the soil depends largely on the soil type and paddock history, however typical rates of application are in the order of 10-20 kilograms of Boron 15G per hectare.

ENDS

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