I have stopped participating in this forum partially because of what I consider the irrational negativity towards AI. I admit to being a bit of a cranky person.
As a parting note, I want anyone reading this to determine if this isn’t a better answer than what is given here. More specific info could also be derived by further questioning.
How much better would this forum be if people were open minded to new methods and you could post something like this and have it fairly critiqued on its merits and not the idea of it?
How much boron should be added per thousand sq ft in a deficient soil in an apple orchard
ChatGPT said:
For apple orchards, the recommended boron application rate for deficient soils is typically 1–2 ounces of actual boron per 1,000 square feet. This translates to 2.7–5.4 pounds per acre. The exact amount depends on soil tests, tree age, and local conditions.
Application Methods:
- Soil Application:
- Use Solubor (20% boron) or borax (11% boron).
- Solubor: Apply 5–10 ounces per 1,000 sq ft (≈ 1/3 to 2/3 pound).
- Borax: Apply 9–18 ounces per 1,000 sq ft (≈ 0.5 to 1.1 pounds).
- Broadcast evenly and water in well.
- Foliar Sprays (for immediate uptake but lower total impact):
- Apply 0.1–0.25 pounds of boron per 100 gallons of spray.
- Typically done pre-bloom and post-harvest.
Be cautious—boron toxicity occurs above 1 ppm in soil or 100 ppm in leaves, leading to leaf burn and fruit disorders. Always base applications on soil and leaf analysis.
4o
You said:
would less or more be used for younger trees
ChatGPT said:
For younger apple trees, you should generally use less boron than for mature trees, as their root systems are smaller and they require lower nutrient levels overall. A safe rate would be around ½ to ¾ of the full rate, depending on deficiency levels.
Recommended Boron Rates for Young Trees:
- Soil Application:
- 1–5 years old: Apply ½ to 1 ounce of actual boron per 1,000 sq ft (1.3–2.7 lbs/acre).
- Use 2.5–5 ounces of Solubor or 4.5–9 ounces of borax per 1,000 sq ft.
- Split applications may be safer (e.g., half in spring, half post-harvest).
- Foliar Application (Safer for young trees):
- Pre-bloom or post-harvest: Use 0.05–0.1 lbs of boron per 100 gallons.
- Helps prevent toxicity from excessive soil buildup.
Since boron moves slowly in the soil but is highly mobile in plants, it’s important to avoid over-application and monitor leaf tissue levels (ideal: 20–60 ppm in apple leaves mid-season).
4o
You said:
Would you lose less or more in heavier soils
ChatGPT said:
In heavier soils (such as clay or clay loams), you generally lose less boron compared to sandy soils because:
- Greater Adsorption – Boron binds more strongly to clay particles and organic matter, reducing leaching.
- Slower Movement – Water percolates more slowly in heavier soils, so boron remains available longer.
However, this also means boron may not move as easily into the root zone, especially in dry conditions. You may need slightly higher rates or split applications to ensure uptake, particularly for young trees with shallower roots.
By contrast, in lighter (sandy) soils, boron leaches more quickly due to low adsorption, requiring lower doses but more frequent applications to avoid deficiency.
Incidentally, (in my opinion) a soil test should include a recommendation to specific application rates required, otherwise you should find another service.
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