Status, different forms and transformation of boron in representative apple orchards, selected on the basis of productivity, hill aspect and altitude in different districts of Himachal Pradesh (HP) were studied. Surface soils registered boron deficiency to the extent of 21 to 65% in Shimla, Kullu, Mandi, Chamba, Sirmour and Kinnaur districts of HP. Sub-surface soils exhibited still higher deficiency. Leaf analysis also revealed B deficiency to the tune of 25 to 55%. In general, the amount of B in different forms followed the order: total-B > hot water soluble- B > leachable (adsorbed + soluble) B. Soil pH, organic carbon (OC) and clay content evinced a positive relationship with different forms of B. Three forms of B studied were significantly and positively related with one another. On an average, 2.8, 2.3 and 39.1% of applied B was transformed into hot water soluble, leachable and total B, respectively, after six months of application.
Apple, soil and leaf, B status, forms of B, transformation
