Critical Range of Soil Boron for Prognosis of Boron Deficiency in Oilseed Rape

Relationships between seed yields of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.) and extractable boron concentrations in three soil layers (A, P and W) were investigated through ten experiments on three types of soils (Alluvic Entisols, Udic Ferrisols and Stagnic Anthrosols) in northern, western and middle Zhejiang Province. Among several mathematical models used to described the relationships, the polynomial equation, y = a + bx + cx2 + dx3, where y is the yield of oilseed rape seed and x the extractable boron concentration in P layer of soil, was the best one. The critical range of the concentrations corresponding to 90% of the maximum oilseed rape yield was 0.40-0.52 mg kg-1. The extractable boron concentration of the P layers of the soils was the most stable. The critical range determined was verified through the production practices of oilseed rape in Zhejiang and Anhui provinces.