Boron fertilization of Mediterranean aridisols improves lucerne (<i>Medicago sativa</i>L.) yields and quality

Abstract

Abstract Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is grown as a forage crop on many livestock farms. In calcareous soils in eastern Turkey, lucerne production requires boron (B) addition as the soils are naturally B deficient. Field experiments with four B-application rates (0, 1, 3, and 9 kg ha−1 B) were conducted in 2005 and 2006 to determine the optimum economic B rate (OEBR), critical soil test and tissue B values for dry matter (DM) production for lucerne grown on B-deficient calcareous aridisols in eastern Turkey. Boron application increased yield at each site in both years of production. The OEBR and critical soil and tissue B content were not impacted by location. Averaged over the two years and three locations, the OEBR was 6.8 kg B ha−1 with an average DM yield of 12.0 Mg ha−1. The average soil B content at the OEBR was 0.89 mg kg−1 while leaf and shoot tissue B content amounted to 51.8 and 35.5 mg kg−1, respectively. Boron application decreased tissue calcium (Ca), zinc (Zn), and copper (Cu), and increased tissue nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn). Tissue and soil B increased without impacting yield at B levels up to 9 kg ha−1. We conclude that 7 kg ha−1 B is sufficient to elevate soil test B levels from 0.11 to 0.89 mg kg−1 and overcome B deficiency at each of the sites in the study. Similar studies with different soils and initial soil test B levels are needed to conclude if these critical soil and tissue values can be applied across the region.