BORATES in Agriculture

Feeding a hungry planet

Our world’s population is growing rapidly—yet the amount of arable land is not. A changing climate. Soil contamination and depletion. Crop demands. All threaten the ability of today’s farmers to maintain a sufficient global food supply.

U.S. Borax is doing our part to combat global hunger by helping farmers efficiently grow abundant, healthy crops. How? By providing a clean, reliable source of boron, a micronutrient that plants—and people—need to thrive.

Agricultural resources

Boron quality matters

Boron is a naturally occurring mineral. But it needs to be properly refined to provide the best value.

  • 20 Mule Team® refined boron mixes uniformly with other materials and dissolves more completely in liquid—and the soil

  • Our refined boron is more consistent in quality and size, making it perfect for mixing in NPK fertilizer and enabling farmers to do more with less

  • U.S. Borax refined borates are purer and cleaner than raw minerals, reducing contaminants such as arsenic, a heavy metal

  • Our refined boron is crush-resistant and low-dust, making it cleaner and easier to handle and transport

Boron for crops

Better crops from the ground up

We understand the causes, consequences, and cures of boron deficiency in crops.

  • Our extensive crop guides help to identify boron deficiency and provide detailed information about solutions and applications.

  • Our ROI calculator helps farmers determine the exact value they’ll see from using high-quality refined boron instead of cheaper but less effective alternatives.

  • We produce a variety of refined borates so that farmers and fertilizer manufacturers can achieve optimal results, whatever the application method.

  • 20 Mule Team Borax refined boron is certified and approved for use in organic farming.

Boron for better crops

Pioneering research

Our 150-year history is one of innovation and research—and we’re happy to share the results.

  • We share decades of expert knowledge and scientific studies with agronomists to support farmers and improve agricultural practices

  • We provide a wealth of expert support to our customers through both advisory and hands-on services, including region-specific guidance

  • We support agricultural learning opportunities through industry events and continued research

  • We’ve developed an extensive and effective refinement process, resulting in products that offer excellent value and optimal results

BORATES IN AGRICULTURE

Differences in boron fertilizer sources
To determine the optimum rate and method of applying sufficient boron for optimum yields, growers need to know the relative boron needs for their crops. Learn More
Boron: Helping feed the world
Agriculture needs to become increasingly efficient to feed a growing population. As an essential element for crop growth, boron has a vital role to play. Learn More
Boron deficiency symptoms
Plants initially may not exhibit obvious symptoms of boron deficiency. When moderate or severe boron deficiency occurs, most crops exhibit visible symptoms. K... Learn More

U.S. Borax, part of Rio Tinto, is a global leader in the supply and science of borates—naturally-occurring minerals containing boron and other elements. We are 1,000 people serving 650 customers with more than 1,800 delivery locations globally. We supply around 30% of the world’s need for refined borates from our world-class mine in Boron, California, about 100 miles northeast of Los Angeles.  Learn more about Rio Tinto.

Copyright © 2024 Rio Tinto. All Rights Reserved.