African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6863

Full Length Research Paper

Effect of silicon fertilization on mineral composition of rice under Typic Ustochrept soils

J. K. Malav*
  • J. K. Malav*
  • College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Jabugam?391155, Ta- Bodeli Dist. Chota-udaipur Gujarat, India.
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K. C. Patel
  • K. C. Patel
  • Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science, B. A. College of Agriculture, AAU, Anand, Gujarat, India.
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M. Sajid
  • M. Sajid
  • College of Agriculture, Anand Agricultural University, Jabugam?391155, Ta- Bodeli Dist. Chota-udaipur Gujarat, India.
  • Google Scholar


  •  Received: 12 May 2015
  •  Accepted: 03 June 2015
  •  Published: 09 July 2015

Abstract

A pot experiment was conducted in 2012 in the greenhouse of the Anand Agricultural University Anand Gujarat, India. Treatments were arranged in a factorial completely randomized complete design with silicon factor at four levels (0, 100, 200 and 300 ppm) with three replicates. Indian improved and high -yielding variety Gurajari was used. The Si application up to 200 mg kg-1 soil significantly increased grain and straw yields of rice over the control under low (< 25 mg Si kg-1 soil) and medium (25 - 50 mg Si kg-1 soil) category soils, while it was up to 100 mg Si kg-1 soil in high category soils. The soil, grain and straw samples were analyzed for their Si, P, K, S and Na content at harvest. The Si content in grain ranged from 1.77 to 2.69% in untreated plots, whereas in treating plots, it ranged from 1.85 to 3.40%. The average value of Si content in straw was 7.78, 7.46 and 7.82% in low, medium and high category soils, respectively.

 

Key words: Silicon, yield, mineral composition, content, rice.