Cover Image
QR Code

Exploring maize grain yield response to boron fertilization in Mollisols : critical thresholds and predictive models

Background: There are no extractable boron (B) thresholds for maize (Zea mays L.) in Mollisols determined by field calibrations. Aims: Our objectives were to: (1) explore maize grain yield response to B fertilization, (2) calibrate the soil hot water extractable B (HW-B) as a predictor of maize res...

Full description

Main Authors: Barbieri, Pablo, Crespo, Cecilia, Wyngaard, Nicolás, Eyherabide, Mercedes, Martinez Cuesta, Nicolás, Reussi Calvo, Nahuel Ignacio, Sainz Rozas, Hernan Rene, Angelini, Hernán Pablo, Carciochi, Walter, Gudelj, Vicente Jorge, Espósito Goya, Gabriel Pablo, Salvagiotti, Fernando, Ferraris, Gustavo Nestor, Sanchez, Héctor, Ventimiglia, Luis Alberto, Torrens Baudrix, Lisandro
Format: Artículo
Language:Inglés
Published: Wiley 2024
Subjects:
Maíz
Aplicación de Abonos
Tratamiento del Suelo
Boro
Molisol
Materia Orgánica
Rendimiento de Cultivos
Crop Yield
Maize
Fertilizer Application
Soil Treatment
Boron
Mollisols
Organic Matter
Fertilización
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12123/18417
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jpln.202400011
https://doi.org/10.1002/jpln.202400011
Summary:Background: There are no extractable boron (B) thresholds for maize (Zea mays L.) in Mollisols determined by field calibrations. Aims: Our objectives were to: (1) explore maize grain yield response to B fertilization, (2) calibrate the soil hot water extractable B (HW-B) as a predictor of maize response to B fertilization under field conditions, and (3) assess the contribution of clay, pH, and soil organic matter (SOM) as predictive variables of maize response to B fertilization. Methods: We conducted 53 field trials with 2 treatments: with and without B fertilization. At all sites, we measured clay, SOM, pH, and HW-B at a 0–20 cm depth. Results: Maize grain yield ranged from 5.34 to 17.35 Mg ha−1. Grain yield response to fertilization was observed in 6 out of 53 sites (11.3%). In responsive sites, average grain yield response was 1.0 Mg ha−1. Multiple regression models to predict yield response to B addition that included soil, pH, and SOM only explained 19% of the variability. The critical soil HW-B concentration threshold was 0.78 mg kg−1, correctly diagnosing 79% of the site-years. Conclusion: The critical threshold for maize B levels resulting from our field study is the first of its kind in Mollisols. This threshold will improve the identification of soils deficient in B.

Similar Items