Boron nutrition with NPs and H 3 BO 3 to change its fractionation in soil and wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) productivity under alkaline calcareous conditions

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Injudicious boron (B) supply to correct its deficiency may lead to toxicity and a decline in crop growth and yield. This study was conducted for two consecutive seasons during 2022 and 2023 with the objective to optimize B supply for better grain yield and quality of wheat. Experimental plan comprised three B levels by soil application (control, 2 and 4 kg ha−1), two foliar spray levels (0.2 and 0.4% B solution), and combination of soil plus foliar application making total nine treatments. B was applied as nanoparticles (B-NPs) and boric acid (H3BO3). B nutrition at 2 kg ha−1 B-NPs while 4 kg ha−1 H3BO3 caused highest improvement in growth, yield, physiological, biochemical, and grain quality characteristics. Grain yield was maximally improved by 24.40 and 22.67% with 2 kg ha−1 B-NPs while, 20.18 and 19.0% with 4 kg ha−1 H3BO3 during 2022 and 2023, respectively, compared to the control. B application at higher level, particularly in soil plus foliar pattern caused toxicity as evidenced by an increase of 114.2 and 123.6% in H2O2 while, 89.47 and 93.22% in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration with 4 kg ha−1+0.4% solution of B-NPs during 2022 and 2023, respectively, compared to control. Soil B was fractionated into six functionally active fractions. Of the total soil B, plant available B ranged from 0.59 to 2.48% with B-NPs while, 0.55–1.89% with H3BO3. In conclusion, B application at 2 kg ha−1 B-NPs while, 4 kg ha−1 H3BO3 could be recommended for optimum wheat productivity under alkaline calcareous conditions.