THE INFLUENCE OF BORON ON THE GROWTH OF THE SOYBEAN PLANT

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The effect of Bo was studied on germination, on seedlings, and on plants grown to maturity in nutrient solution and on plants grown in sand and in soil. Germination is prevented by the presence of 250 mgm. Bo per liter in the soil (sand) solution, and is delayed by 10 mgm. per liter. Chlorotic or partly chlorotic seedlings result. Sassafras loam soil absorbs Bo and reduces its toxic action. Its effect on germination appears to be identical, regardless of the form used. Leaves were injured in all cultures where 1 pound of borax or its equivalent was added per acre. Equivalent amounts of Bo in the form of boric acid, potassium borate, or borax, produced equivalent leaf injury. Larger quantities stunt or kill the plants. No marked growth stimulation could be detected after Bo compounds were applied. All compounds tested reduced the dry weight of plants when applied in quantities equivalent to 1-7.5 pounds of borax per acre, the amounts depending on the substratum on which the plants were grown. The toxic influence is practically the same whether in the form of boric acid, potassium borate, or borax. Bo is not necessary to the production of mature plants in nutrient solution. Boric acid, and to a lesser degree, borax, exerted a stimulating influence on plants in nutrient solution,[long dash]the greatest stimulation appearing when 2.5 mgm. Bo per liter of cultural solution was used.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: