Calcium and boron are two essential minerals for soil health and plant growth, but they need to be in a balanced ratio to ensure optimal plant health and growth. The ideal range of boron concentration in soil is between .5 ppm and 4 ppm. However, many factors can affect the levels and availability of calcium and boron in soil and plants, such as water, soil pH, organic matter, moisture, and the presence of other nutrients. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the common causes, symptoms, and solutions for calcium and boron deficiencies and excesses in soil.

Causes and Symptoms of Calcium and Boron Deficiencies and Excesses

Calcium and boron deficiencies and excesses can occur due to various reasons, such as:

• Leaching due to excessive rainfall or irrigation
• Acidic soil, low pH, reduces the solubility of calcium, resulting in a deficiency in plant uptake
• Low organic matter in soil reduces the retention of boron
• Both low soil moisture and high clay content in soil restrict nutrient uptake, including calcium and boron
• Excessive calcium or nitrogen interferes with boron absorption
• Excessive boron makes calcium unavailable for plant uptake

Reduced yield and crop quality are tied to soil nutrient deficiencies and excesses.

Symptoms of calcium deficiency are always seen on the youngest leaves first. Calcium is an immobile nutrient and stays where it enters the plant. Stunted growth, leaf structures that are wilting, curling, and necrotic, and blossom end rot are all symptoms of a calcium deficiency.

On the other hand,  an excess of calcium will decrease the ability of a plant to uptake any other nutrients. What may look like a micronutrient deficiency may really be a calcium excess.

Boron deficiency shows up as brittle and deformed plant tissues. Plants also have lower metabolism and transport of sugars that impair plant health, leaving plants susceptible to insect damage and disease.

Toxic levels of boron cause yellowing or browning of the leaves. Plant leaves dry out and become brittle as a result of an excess or a deficiency of boron. For a nutrient that is needed in such small quantities, it can have an amazing effect on plant health.

The differences in symptoms of excesses and deficiencies of nutrients are subtle. Balancing the interactions of micronutrients, macronutrients, plants, and soil biology is the key.

Solutions for Calcium and Boron Deficiencies and Excesses

Calcium and boron deficiencies and excesses can be prevented and corrected by applying some of the following practices:

• Be sure to test your soil for micronutrient levels, pH, and microorganism populations
• Avoid excess fertilization that destroys the balance of nutrients
• Maintain a strong microbial population to help in nutrient cycling

Regenerative farming practices which include cover crops, no-till or low-till, and crop rotation create ideal nutrient cycling conditions. If soil tests come back with a deficiency of boron we recommend Q-Bio® Boron 2.5% and Seacole 10% Boron to mitigate any boron deficiency.

This nutrient additive is designed for foliar or soil application. It’s water-dispersible and nontoxic to foliage when it’s applied as directed on the label. Q-Bio Boron 2.5% is a registered organic input so can be used on both organic and conventional fields and Seacole 10% Boron is for conventional fields only. Our team of crop consultants at ST Biologicals has found these products to be incredibly helpful in mitigating boron deficiencies, balancing calcium levels and improving crop health and yield. To find out more about making 2024 your most profitable year yet, contact us.