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Silicon (Si) is not considered as an essential element for plant growth and development but application of Si improved plant growth. In this study, the effect of various concentrations of Si as sodium metasilicate (0, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 µg g–1) on nodule growth and mineral nutrition of Rhizobium sp. U 15–inoculated cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) plants grown in pots was studied. Lower additions of Si (50–100 µg g–1) significantly increased nodule growth (nodule number, nodule fresh weight and dry weight), relative yield of root and shoot, nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium concentrations. Plant Si concentrations increased with an increase in soil‐applied Si. Nodule growth negatively correlated with higher applied concentrations of Si (200–800 µg g–1). The results indicate that Si at low concentrations is beneficial for nodule growth.

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