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Crop Protection & Pesticides

Boron Fertilizer: Grades, Quality Standards and Buying Guide

Boron fertilizer is an essential agricultural micronutrient input required for pollen tube germination, fruit set, calcium mobility, and cell wall stability in crops. Selecting certified Fertilizer Control Order (FCO) grades ensures optimal crop response, preventing flower drop in vegetables and fruit cracking in orchards.

Last reviewed: 10 November 2026

Certified agricultural boron grades under FCO

  • Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate (DOT, 20% B): High-solubility white powder formulated for precision foliar spraying and drip fertigation systems.
  • Borax (Sodium Tetraborate Decahydrate, 10.5% B): Traditional crystalline grade designed for basal soil application during preparatory tillage.
  • Solubor / Boron ethanolamine: Fast-dissolving specialty formulations for intensive commercial horticulture.
  • Boric Acid (17% B): Technical grade used in controlled greenhouse fertigation regimes.

Evaluating quality and packaging integrity

Always check for certified FCO batch compliance, net weight, active boron percentage (e.g. minimum 20% for DOT), and official manufacturer hologram seals. Avoid unbranded or loose crystalline powders that often contain insoluble filler salts or unrefined industrial byproducts that clog drip emitters.

Soil testing and application guidelines

  • Conduct laboratory soil testing under the Soil Health Card scheme; avoid unguided broadcasting as boron has a very narrow safety margin between deficiency and toxicity.
  • Foliar application: Spray at 1 to 1.5 grams of DOT 20% per liter of water during pre-flowering and fruit development stages.
  • Soil application: Apply 5 to 10 kg of Borax 10.5% per hectare mixed with organic compost or basal fertilizers.

Official source

Check the latest rules, benefits and forms here. KisanPe is an independent platform and is not a government website.

Department of Fertilizers (Govt of India) ↗

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Common questions

What is the most common water-soluble boron fertilizer grade?

Disodium Octaborate Tetrahydrate containing 20% water-soluble boron (DOT 20% B) is the standard grade for foliar spray and drip fertigation.

Why is boron critical for tomato and chilli crops?

Boron prevents flower drop, ensures successful pollination and fruit set, and prevents internal blossom end browning and fruit cracking.

Where can farmers verify certified fertilizer specifications?

On the official Department of Fertilizers portal and within the specifications of the Fertilizer (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order.

General guidance, not personal advice. For your farm, ask your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra or agriculture officer.

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