Optimizing boron use efficiency and fertilization in oil palm based on tissue accumulation and nutrient recycling in...

Boron (B) is a critical element for the nutritional management of oil palm plants; however, few studies have been conducted to understand its nutritional demand and dynamics within Amazonian agroecosystems. This study examined the dynamics of B in Elaeis guineensis Jacq at varying ages, focusing on its accumulation, immobilization, recycling, and exportation across different plant organs. The research was conducted in commercial plantations in Tailândia, Pará State, Brazil, and evaluated dynamics of B concentration, accumulation, use efficiency, and the rates of recycling, immobilization, and exportation were evaluated. The results demonstrated that palm heart had the highest B concentration among vegetative organs, while male inflorescences exhibited the highest levels in reproductive structures. Fruits and stipe accounted for the largest B accumulation, with both showing a clear increase as plants aged. In mature oil palms, the primary pathway for B exportation was through the harvested bunches. Importantly, the rates of B recycling and immobilization were substantially higher than exportation, reflecting the plant's efficient internal nutrient use. These findings offer important insights into B dynamics within oil palm systems, supporting the development of precise and sustainable nutrient management strategies to enhance plant growth and maximize yield.