The primary function of Boron is to provide structural integrity to the cell wall in plants.
With out a cell wall, the cell is no longer one having plant-like characteristics. A cell wall is crucial in plant cells.
Boron deficiency is the most widespread micro nutrient deficiency in the
world.
It causes large losses in crop production both quantitatively and qualitatively.
It affects vegetative and reproductive growth of plants resulting in inhibition of cell expansion and reduced fertility.
Solutions:
- Boric acid can be applied to soils to correct boron deficiency. Although, application of boron may not correct boron deficiency in alkaline soils because even with the addition of boron, it may remain unavailable for plant absorption. (Limitation)
Boron deficiency occurs in basic soils with a high pH because in basic conditions boric acid does not allow the plant is to absorb.
Boron Toxicity
Boron toxicity is the result of excessive boron content in soil. Too much Boron is toxic to vegetation because plants cannot cope with the excess Boron.
Plants contain Boron naturally, however the amount of this element present in plants relies on how much has absorbed into the plant. This varies due to its solubility level. In plants, the amount of water-soluble boron fluctuates with the amount of boron supplied; supplied obviously by humans.
If too much Boron is absorbed into the plant it can cause damage because the plant already has Boron within it naturally. This is called water- insoluble boron. The decrease of water-insoluble boron is the reason for the appearance of boron deficiency.
Plants contain Boron naturally, however the amount of this element present in plants relies on how much has absorbed into the plant. This varies due to its solubility level. In plants, the amount of water-soluble boron fluctuates with the amount of boron supplied; supplied obviously by humans.
If too much Boron is absorbed into the plant it can cause damage because the plant already has Boron within it naturally. This is called water- insoluble boron. The decrease of water-insoluble boron is the reason for the appearance of boron deficiency.