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Solubor ®
1 of 4 (4/2012)
20.5% B Typical
Na2B8O13·4H2O
Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate

Background
Boron is one of seven micronutrients essential to all plant growth. Its role was recognised first in the 1920s and since that time, boron deficiency has been recognised in a wide range of crops.

Correcting boron deficiency
Boron deficiency can be remedied by the correct application of a borate containing material in solid or liquid fertilisers, to the seedbed in annual crops or under the foliar canopy of perennial crops. Perennial and annual crops can also be sprayed with boron containing solutions. These are normally tank mixed with other micronutrients or with agrochemical products.

The latter method of application may be preferable since at peak requirement times the boron needs of the growing plant can frequently exceed its ability to obtain its needs through the roots. Mixing with other sprays as part of a programme enables the grower to time this availability and save application cost.

Detecting boron deficiency
Boron deficiency shows in clearly defined ways in certain crops. Generally, by the time visible symptoms are seen, yields will already have been adversely affected. The best way to establish need is either through soil testing or through tissue analysis. In this way, boron supplementation can form part of a ‘balanced nutrition’approach to crop fertilisation.

Predicting boron deficiency
Certain crops world-wide are known to be more susceptible to lack of boron than others. These are shown in the tables.

Main uses
•Coating of finished solid fertilisers.
•Manufacture of solution or suspension fertilisers. Optimised dissolution at low ambient temperatures
and high concentration make Solubor the product of choice.
•Formulation of high performance liquids containing either boron alone or a combination of nutrients for
spraying, ‘fertigation’ or irrigation.
•Inclusion in multi-element soluble powder formulations for spraying on farm.
•To provide boron through irrigation, fertigation or hydroponics where this is the most practical form of plant feeding.

Advantages
Rapid dispersion
The amorphous particles of Solubor facilitate rapid wetting and incorporation in water and more viscous liquids, even at low temperatures.

High solubility
The minute particle size of Solubor (<75 microns) and inherent high solubility, even at low temperatures,gives rapid solubility properties even under demanding conditions.