Boron Breakthrough Boosts Nepal's Wheat Yields

Nepal's wheat yields have been stubbornly low due to soil nutrient deficiencies. Researchers Prabin Ghimire and Janma Jaya Gairhe conducted a two-year field study to test the interaction between nitrogen and boron on wheat growth.

The study found that when both nutrients were applied together at the right rates, grain yields climbed to levels far above the national average of 2.99 tonnes per hectare. The highest grain yield, 8,143.89 kilograms per hectare, was recorded with 120 kilograms of nitrogen and 2 kilograms of boron per hectare.

The researchers attribute the synergy between nitrogen and boron to the micronutrient's role in facilitating nitrogen uptake and supporting protein synthesis. The study also highlighted the importance of balanced fertilization in maintaining soil health over time, warning that excessive nitrogen application can trigger acidification and lodging.