New strategy for silicon supply through fertigation in sugarcane integrating the pre-sprouted seedling phase and field cultivation

Abstract

Adopting a Si supply strategy can amplify the sugarcane response. Thus, this study aimed to verify whether Si supply in the pre-sprouted seedling (PSS) formation phase would have an effect after field transplanting similar to Si supply only in the field phase (via foliar spraying or fertigation). Furthermore, this study aimed to verify whether Si supply in the PSS formation phase associated with Si fertigation after transplanting can potentiate or amplify Si benefits. Two experiments were conducted. In experiment I, pre-sprouted seedlings were grown in a nursery without Si (Control) and with Si. Experiment II was conducted in the field on Eutrustox soil with the following treatments: no Si supply (Control); Si supplied during the PSS formation phase; Si supplied through foliar spraying in the field; Si supplied through fertigation in the field; Si supplied in the PSS formation phase and during field development. Silicon used in both crop phases benefited sugarcane by increasing photosynthetic pigment content and the antioxidative defense system. The innovation of Si management to be supplied via fertigation integrated with both crop phases (PSS and in the field) optimizes the element’s use by increasing the crop's productivity and sustainability.

Silicon via fertigation with and without potassium application, improve physiological aspects of common beans cultivated under three water regimes in field

“…The high Si accumulation demonstrates the excellent Si absorption capacity of common bean in a fertigated system. These results are consistent with findings reported for other species, such as sugarcane 51 . This finding offers an efficient Si addition alternative for irrigated crops at the field level, including species from the legume group, as it enables significant Si absorption at relatively low doses.…”

“…This facilitates the root absorption of Si by the plant. The use of soluble Si sources presents advantages over insoluble and solid sources, which have slower reactions and require larger amounts to be incorporated into the soil 15 , 51 . Therefore, the effects of Si observed in this study demonstrate, for the first time, that Si application via fertigation, especially at doses resulting in higher Si enrichment in the plant, occurs at relatively low doses (< 10 kg Si ha −1 ), both in the absence and presence of potassium fertilization.…”

Silicon attenuates aluminum toxicity in sugarcane plants by modifying growth, roots morphoanatomy, photosynthetic pigments, and gas exchange parameters

“…Several reports have provided indications that Al toxicity reduces photosynthetic rate (PN), stomatal conductance (gs) and leaf transpiration rate (E) in plants [12][13][14][15] . Plants exposed to Al toxicity effects undergo changes in their cell organelles; e.g., breakdown of free cytosolic 16 Ca 2+ , callose deposition in plasmodesmata 17 , inhibition of respiration in mitochondria 18 , and decreased uptake of macro and micronutrients 8,10 .…”