Silicon

Silicon is recognized as a beneficial plant nutrient. It is second most abundant element available in the earth crust. Silicon plays a significant role in imparting biotic and abiotic stress resistance. Rice is a silicon accumulating plant. Silicon is required for productive and protective development of rice. Extensive cultivation of rice has led to depletion of available silicon and warrants the application of silicate fertilizers for achieving sustainable rice yields. Several extractants are being employed for determination of extractable soil silicon based on crop response and its uptake. The suitable silicon extractant found for Inceptisols and Vertisols were Tris buffer pH 7.0 (1:10) and 0.5 M Acetic acid (1:2.5), respectively based on positively highest and significant correlation with yield and nutrient uptake by rice. The application of general recommended dose of fertilizers along with silicon 200 kg/ha has significantly increased nutrient uptake, resistance against pest and disease, residual soil fertility, grain and straw yield of rice on Vertisols.