Effect of Boron Fertilization on Alfalfa Production
Effect of Boron Fertilization on Alfalfa Production, 1998 This research in northwestern Montana is evaluating the potential benefits to boron (B) applied across different phosphorus (P) fertility levels for intensively managed irrigated alfalfa. It was initiated in 1997 and will continue through 1999. Annual rates of B at 0, 1, and 2 lb/A are being evaluated across P2O5 rates of 0, 40, and 80 lb/A.
IPNI-1997-USA-MT13
01 Mar 1999
1998 Annual Interpretive Summary
Effect of Boron Fertilization on Alfalfa Production, 1998
This research in northwestern Montana is evaluating the potential benefits to boron (B) applied across different phosphorus (P) fertility levels for intensively managed irrigated alfalfa. It was initiated in 1997 and will continue through 1999.
Annual rates of B at 0, 1, and 2 lb/A are being evaluated across P2O5 rates of 0, 40, and 80 lb/A. First year yields (3 cuttings) averaged above 6 tons/A, but there was no response in this initial year to either nutrient applied. There was also no response to the fertilizer treatments the second year although the alfalfa yields increased to an average of 8.6 t/A.
Alfalfa is especially sensitive to low levels of available soil B. There is little documented evidence to substantiate the need for B in northwestern Montana, although some soils are testing relatively low and could be deficient. It is important to eliminate such deficiencies in order for alfalfa to efficiently utilize other fertilizer inputs such as P and potassium (K). MT-13F