Spatial variability of boron availability in canola
Date
2003-02-18
Authors
Dubyk, C.A.
Walley, F.L.
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Abstract
The spatial variability of hot water soluble boron (HWS-B) and yield responses of canola
to B fertilization was assessed at sites in the Grey soil Zone using a linear sampling
transect. At each site, 128 soil samples were taken at 3-meter intervals and analyzed for
HWS-B, physical and chemical soil properties. Results indicate that the organic matter
content, particularly in acidic soils, strongly influenced HWS-B content. To a lesser
extent, soil pH and texture also contributed to HWS-B variability. On the alkaline site,
apparent yield increases to foliar B were correlated to soil pH in a positive and significant
manner. The HWS-B test failed to predict the yield responses to B fertilization. In the
year of the study eat and drought stress occurred during a period when canola is most
sensitive to a B deficiency (flowering) and also may have contributed to the yield
increases. Results of a geostatistical analysis, known as wavelet analysis, revealed that at
spatial scales > 50m, variability in HWS-B content is significant. Therefore, significant
responses to B fertilization may not be detected with the traditional random complete
block design.
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Keywords
soil properties, transect, wavelet analysis
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Soils and Crops Workshop