BORON DEFICIENCY IN RAINFED WHEAT IN PAKISTAN: INCIDENCE, SPATIAL VARIABILITY AND MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Abstract

Boron (B) deficiency is potentially an important nutrient constraint in calcareous soils. We determined B deficiency incidence and spatial distribution in rainfed wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in 1.82 Mha Pothohar plateau in Pakistan, its relationship with soil types, crop responses to B, and internal B requirement and B fertilizer use efficiency of wheat. Plant and soil analyses indicated deficiency in 64% of the 61 sampled fields; geostatistics-aided contour maps delineated B deficient areas. In rainfed field experiments, B use increased wheat yields up to 11%. Fertilizer requirement was 1.2 kg B ha−1; critical B concentration (mg kg−1) ranges were: young whole shoots, 4–6; flag leaves, 5–7. Boron uptake by wheat was 0.14–0.58% of applied dosage, leaving substantial residual impact. Highly cost-effective B use or B-efficient genotype adoption can enhance wheat productivity and grower-income. Such effective nutrient assessment and management approaches can be beneficially adopted elsewhere as well.