Plant Silicon Nutrition and Application of Silicon-calcium Fertilizer

Silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth's crust and soil, yet its biological effects remain largely unknown. While it has not been proven that silicon is an essential nutrient for plant growth, it is widely recognized as beneficial for the healthy development of plants, particularly grasses. This article explores the impact of silicon on plant growth and the application of silicon and calcium fertilizers. First, the role of silicon in plant growth: 1. **Enhancing Photosynthesis**: Silicon improves the photosynthetic efficiency of crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane. It helps plants stand upright by depositing in epidermal cells, reducing the angle between leaves and stems, thus increasing light interception and utilization. 2. **Boosting Root Activity**: Silicon enhances root activity by increasing the number of white roots, improving the oxidation capacity of roots, and boosting dehydrogenase activity. This helps reduce damage from toxic substances such as Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, and H₂S under anaerobic conditions. 3. **Increasing Lodging Resistance**: The deposition of silicon in cell walls strengthens the stem, making plants more resistant to lodging—especially important during typhoons or strong winds. 4. **Improving Disease Resistance**: Silicon significantly boosts resistance against diseases like rice blast, sheath blight, bacterial blight, and fungal infections in cucurbits. Although the exact mechanism is not fully understood, it is believed that silicon acts as a physical barrier against pathogens. 5. **Enhancing Stress Tolerance**: Silicon improves both biotic (e.g., disease) and abiotic (e.g., drought, salinity, heavy metals) stress resistance in plants. 6. **Reducing Transpiration**: By forming a layer in the epidermal cell wall, silicon reduces water loss, improving water-use efficiency and supporting water-saving agriculture. 7. **Increasing Yield and Quality**: Crops such as rice, sugarcane, tomatoes, and melons show improved yield and quality when silicon is applied. For example, sugarcane gains higher sugar content, and tomatoes have increased vitamin C levels. 8. **Balancing Nutrient Uptake**: Silicon helps regulate nutrient absorption, promoting better balance in plants. Second, the availability of silicon in China’s soils: Historically, acidic southern soils were thought to be low in available silicon, while northern calcareous soils were considered rich. However, recent studies show that even northern soils can suffer from silicon deficiency due to interactions with calcium carbonate. Approximately 200 million mu of paddy fields in China are affected by this issue. Third, diagnosing silicon deficiency: Soil tests using pH 4.0 acetic acid-sodium acetate buffer indicate low available silicon if values fall below 100–105 mg SiO₂/kg in acidic soils. In northern calcareous soils, the threshold is around 300 mg SiO₂/kg. Plant-based diagnosis includes checking SiO₂ content in stalks and observing symptoms like soft stems, drooping leaves, and increased disease susceptibility. Fourth, types and applications of silicon-calcium fertilizers: 1. **Slag-Based Fertilizers**: Commonly used globally, these are slow-release and suitable for base application. However, their high cost and logistics challenges limit widespread use. 2. **High-Efficiency Chemical Fertilizers**: Developed in China, these are water-soluble and effective but expensive, limiting their adoption. 3. **New High-Efficiency Fertilizers**: A more affordable option developed at Nanjing Agricultural University, containing silicon, calcium, and other trace elements. It is ideal for rice, sugarcane, and legumes. 4. **Compound Fertilizers**: These include silicon but usually at lower concentrations, often used as base fertilizer. Finally, the importance of silicon in sustainable agriculture: As global demand for safe, eco-friendly food grows, silicon plays a vital role in enhancing crop resilience and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. Its benefits in improving plant health and productivity make it a key component in future agricultural practices.

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