Boron- and salt-tolerant trees and shrubs for northern Nevada

Abstract

Boron is a mineral that, in small quantities, is essential for plant growth and development , but becomes toxic at levels above 0.5 to 1 part per million (ppm) in the soil. Excess boron may be naturally present in the soil, and it can accumulate by irrigating with water high in boron. Boron occurs naturally in arid soils originating from geologically young deposits. It may accumulate in soils that are heavily amended with borate-containing fertilizers. In Nevada, well water or water from springs near geothermal areas or earthquake faults may contain high concentrations of boron. Excessive concentrations are rarely found in surface water. Boron can also enter the soil from sewage effluent or from irrigation with reclaimed water. Boron is mobile in soils, and will move up in the soil horizon as moisture evaporates and down when soils are irrigated with fresh water.

Citation

Kratsch, Heidi. 2012. Boron- and salt-tolerant trees and shrubs for northern Nevada. UNCE Special Publication 12-04. Reno, NV: University of Nevada, Cooperative Extention. Online: http://www.unce.unr.edu/publications/files/ho/2012/sp1204.pdf