Available Boron in Calcareous Soils of Lebanon¹

Heretofore, virtually no information was available on the B status of Lebanese soils and its implication for plant growth. In this study, boron availability in soils of the major agricultural areas of Lebanon was measured and the B content of crops growing on these soils was determined. A total of 33 crops was sampled. Though the 162 soil samples varied widely in chemical and physical properties, only pH was significantly and negatively related to available B. However, a significant relationship was found between available B and the B content of most crops. A marked regional variation in available B contents was noted. The data indicate that B availability in Lebanese soils is adequate and that no toxicity occurs.