28/10/2025
Boron Deficiency in Cabbage
Boron is a very important micronutrient for cabbage. It helps in root growth, leaf development, and the formation of strong heads. When boron is lacking, cabbage plants grow poorly and the heads fail to form properly.
When it happens
Boron deficiency mostly occurs in:
* Sandy or light soils with low organic matter
* Soils that have been heavily leached by rain or irrigation
* Soils with a pH above 7.0 (too alkaline)
* During long dry periods followed by sudden rains
Symptoms
* Heart rot where the center leaves die and turn brown or black
* Hollow stems with cracks or holes that may rot
* Thick, brittle, or cracked leaves
* Small, loose, or poorly formed heads
* Brown spots on the midribs or inside the cabbage head
How to treat boron deficiency
1. Foliar spray
Use borax or solubor to correct quickly.
Mix 2 to 3 grams of borax per liter of water and spray evenly on the leaves.
Repeat after 10 to 14 days if the problem is severe.
2. Soil application
Before planting, apply 1 to 2 kilograms of borax per hectare (about one teaspoon per square meter) and mix it well into the soil.
Do not apply too much because excess boron can harm the plants.
3. Organic methods
Add well-decomposed compost or manure to improve boron retention in the soil.
You can also use seaweed extract or organic fertilizers that contain boron.
4. Prevention
* Test soil regularly for boron levels
* Keep soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5
* Avoid over-liming and overwatering
Boron deficiency causes heart rot, hollow stems, and poor head formation in cabbage. Early correction and proper soil management help prevent the problem.
