History and Introduction of Silicon Research

Abstract

Although silicon (Si) is not yet listed among the essential elements for the growth of higher plants, it has been well documented to play an important role in providing benefi cial effects on growth and yield, especially in plants under stressful environments. From a practical perspective, the use of slag-based silicate fertilizers in agriculture can be dated back to the Middle Ages in Europe. Over the last decade, the discovery of specifi c Si transporters in rice roots has allowed great progress in the understanding of Si uptake by plants at the molecular level. In the same manner, important advancements have been made in dissecting the molecular mechanisms by which Si enhances plant resistance to fungal and bacterial diseases and insect pest damage. In contrast, more efforts are needed to explain at the molecular level the numerous reports showing Si benefi ts against abiotic stresses. In this chapter, a brief review is presented focusing on the most important historical points and general introduction of worldwide Si research.

Volcanic ash as multi‐nutrient mineral fertilizer: Science and early applications

“…Silicon (Si) provides substantial beneficial effects on growth and yield, especially in plants under stressful environments, enhancing plant resistance to fungal and bacterial diseases and insect pest damage. 16 A quick look at the composition of VA from Indonesia's Papandayan volcano, 5 which includes MgO and CaO amid the alkali components, used to fertilize potato tuber growth by Mahmoud and coworkers in 2018 suggests its immediate relevance to agriculture.…”

“…Fertilizers based on slag silicate started to be used in Europe in the Middle Age. Silicon (Si) provides substantial beneficial effects on growth and yield, especially in plants under stressful environments, enhancing plant resistance to fungal and bacterial diseases and insect pest damage 16 …”

Green Conversion of Coal Fly Ash into Soil Conditioner: Technological Principle and Process Development

“…After mixing with the equal mole Ca(OH) 2 powder and hydrothermally reacting (200 • C) in 0.6 mol/L KOH solution for 5 h, fly ash can be transformed into a soil conditioner product with an ASC = 35% [24]. However, the suspicion of ecological safety caused by excessive heavy metal content in fly ash has never disappeared [25,26]. This is also the key factor restricting the combination of fly ash utilization and soil remediation.…”