Release Rates of Soluble and Controlled-release Boron Fertilizers

Abstract

The relative release rates of boron (B) from nine soluble and controlled-release B fertilizer sources were determined in sand leaching columns at 21 °C. Solubor was almost completely leached from the sand within 5 weeks. Boric oxide released the majority of its B within 7 weeks, whereas Dehybor provided B for up to 13 weeks. Granubor release rates were linear through ≈12 weeks. The five products containing calcium or sodium calcium borates released B much more slowly, with probertite and ulexite being the most rapid followed by B32 G, colemanite, and B38 G. B38 G released only ≈40% of its B content during the 104-week leaching study. The rapid release and high B concentrations associated with Solubor suggest a greater potential for phytotoxicity with this source than other slower-release sources.