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Better boron management to improve alfalfa production

An agronomist suggests better management of the soil nutrient boron will lead to a higher yielding alfalfa crop.

Ross Bender with the Mosaic Company says it boils down to two things:

“Boron is important in giving the plant its structure.  The ability to stand upright (through) its involvement in cell walls.  Number two: it’s involved in reproductive success.”

He recommends a soil test every two years, as well as in-season tissue sampling.

“The advantage of that is if you’re not too late, you might be able to do a corrective application.  But more importantly, they’re a diagnostic tool to help you understand what you’re doing well in your production system and maybe where there are opportunities for improvement down the road.”

Bender says a good rule of thumb for alfalfa growers is one to three pounds of boron per acre every year.