The use of boron fertiliser increases the production of wheat and cotton from six percent to nine percent and 13 percent to 19 percent, respectively, a study conducted by PhD scholar from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF). The research titled "Boron dynamics alkaline calcareous soils and its availability under water- cotton cropping system" was conducted by PhD scholar Abid Niaz under the supervision of Dr Atta Muhammad Ranjha from the university.

The production of cotton and wheat, which is considered as a backbone of agricultural industry, has shown signs of stagnation during the proceeding decade owing to improper fertiliser management and non-exploitation of micronutrients especially boron, it added.

The study revealed that the 82 percent of soils are deficient in boron, which is a cause of low production per acre. Water analysis (canal and tube wells water) said boron concentration is more in tube wells water as compared to that canal water. Boron is one of the seventeen essential elements that is required for normal growth and maturity of plants, it added.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2010