The problem of boron deficiency in crop production in Bangladesh

Abstract

Boron (B) deficiency problems for crop production have been identified recently in Bangladesh. Information on the subject is still limited. Deficiency symptoms typical of B have been observed in a wide range of crops including: deformed and poor root growth; death of plant apices; failure in seed setting; abortion of flowers; thick pod walls with small or no seeds; discolouration of vegetables. Deficiency of B in plants has been considered responsible for causing sterility in wheat, and mustard in the country, although it was recently reported that low soil B is not the sole factor inducing wheat sterility.

The available B level in major soil types of Bangladesh ranged between 0.1 to 1.9 mg kg^-1 soil. Non-calcareous grey floodplain soil (Typic Fluvaquent), Terrace soil (Typic Haplaquept) and Hill soil (Lithic Udorthent), which are the principal light textured acid soils generally contain low levels of available B (0.1–0.3 mg kg^-1). Approximately 1 million ha of cultivable land may have B deficiency problems. Yield increases to the extent of 10–92% by B fertilization in wheat and 14–52% in different vegetables were recorded from several field trials in B deficient areas in the northern zones of Bangladesh. A sharp decline in B availability in soil is expected to occur in the near future due to both crop intensification and crop diversification as Bangladesh strives for increased agricultural production. Hence B demands more attention, along with better crop management practices, in the context of sustainable agricultural production.