COMPARATIVE EFFICIENCY OF BORAX AND GRANUBOR AS BORON FERTILIZERS FOR LENTIL AND SOYBEAN GROWN ON ALLUVIAL ALKALINE SOILS

The two sources of boron (B), i.e., borax and granubor, were evaluated for their efficiency to lentil and soybean grown on alluvium derived soils of Punjab, India. Agronomic efficiency, physiological efficiency, and B recovery were estimated for both the sources and crops. The application of 0.75 kg B ha^-1 through borax and granubor increased lentil seed yield by 21.4 and 23.3%, respectively, over control indicating 2% higher response with granubor application. Boron content in lentil seed increased from 12.2 μg g^-1 in control treatment to the maximum of 24.1 μg g^?1 with the application of 1.25 kg B ha^?1 through granubor. There was 24.6% increase in seed yield of soybean with the application of 1.25 kg B ha^?1 through either of fertilizer source. Total B content increased to maximum of 59.8% over control when B was applied through borax. Apparent B recovery% and recovery efficiency were higher for granubor compared to borax for both the crops.