Chemical Properties that Determine Boron Availability in Sugar Cane Soils

Context: Several factors are limiting the behavior and dynamics of boron (B) in the soil. Few results on assimilable B contents in the soil and its relation to other chemical properties have been published. Objective: To determine the contents of assimilable B and the chemical properties that condition its availability in three of the main soil types where sugar cane is cultivated. Methods: The samples were taken at random from the surface (0-20 cm) of three of the main soil types where sugar cane is cultivated in Cuba. Soil assimilable B was determined by extraction with hot water. Classification of assimilable boron concentration relied on category ranges set up by Agrolab, (2005): low (˂0.5 mg kg-1), mid (0.5 a 2.0 mg kg-1), and high (˃2.0 mg kg-1). Results: The concentration of assimilable B varied according to the soil type, with a high dependence on chemical properties. Conclusions: The B contents was highly dependent on variables K2O, P2O5, Mg+ and Na+. The average B concentration was within mid-range values in vertisols and low in brown and ferralitic soils, with high variability. The contents of assimilable B should be further studied, along with the effect of limiting chemical, physical, and biological factors on the soil

Propiedades químicas que determinan la disponibilidad de boro en suelos cultivados con caña de azúcar

Context: Several factors are limiting the behavior and dynamics of boron (B) in the soil, though in Cuba, few results on available B contents in the soil and its relation to other chemical properties have been published. Objective: To determine the contents of available B and the chemical properties that condition its availability in three of the main soil types where sugar cane is cultivated. Methods: The samples were taken at random from the surface (0-20 cm) of three of the main soil types where sugar cane is cultivated in Cuba. The available B in the soil was determined by extraction with hot water. Classification of available boron concentration relied on category ranges set up by Agrolab, (2005): low (˂0.5 mg kg-1), mid (0.5 a 2.0 mg kg-1), and high (˃2.0 mg kg-1). Results: The concentration of assimilable B varied according to the soil type, with a high dependence on chemical properties. Conclusions: The B content was highly dependent on variables K2O, P2O5, Mg+ and Na+. The average B concentration was within mid-range values in vertisols and low in brown and ferralitic soils, with high variability. The contents of available B should be further studied, along with the limiting effects of chemical, physical, and biological factors on the soil.Contexto: Varios factores limitan el comportamiento y la dinámica del boro (B) en el suelo y en Cuba existen escasos resultados sobre el contenido de B asimilable en el suelo y su relación con otras propiedades químicas. Objetivo: Determinar el contenido de B asimilable y las propiedades químicas que condicionan su disponibilidad en tres de los principales agrupamientos de suelos donde se cultiva la caña de azúcar. Métodos: Las muestras fueron tomadas al azar en el horizonte superficial (0-20 cm) de tres de los principales agrupamientos de suelos donde se cultiva la caña de azúcar en el país. El B asimilable en el suelo se determinó mediante extracción con agua caliente. Para clasificar la concentración de boro asimilable en suelo se utilizó los rangos de categorías establecidos por Agrolab, (2005): bajo (˂0.5 mg kg-1), medio (0.5 a 2.0 mg kg-1) y alto (˃2.0 mg kg-1). Resultados: La concentración de B asimilable difiere por agrupamientos de suelo con una alta dependencia de las propiedades químicas. Conclusiones: El contenido de B tuvo una alta dependencia de las variables K2O, P2O5, Mg+ y Na+. La concentración promedio de B se encontró dentro del rango medio de disponibilidad en Vertisoles y bajo en los Pardos y Ferralíticos, con una alta variabilidad. Se recomienda continuar estudiando el contenido de B asimilable y el efecto de los factores limitantes, químicos, físicos y biológicos sobre su comportamiento en el suelo