Potential of Silicon Amendment for Improved Wheat Production

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Nutrition
• Soil Science

Background:

• Silicon (Si) is recognized as a beneficial substance for crops, improving plant health, nutrient uptake, and yield, particularly under stress.
• While not essential, Si plays a crucial role in plant nutrition and resilience.
• Previous studies globally indicate positive crop responses to Si application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of silicon (Si) fertilization rates and application timing on wheat plant height, grain yield (GY), and grain protein content (GP).
• To assess the impact of a specific amorphous volcanic tuff-derived Si product on irrigated winter wheat under non-stressed conditions.

Main Methods:

• A split-plot experimental design was employed over two growing seasons in Idaho.
• Three silicon (Si) fertilization rates (140, 280, and 560 kg Si ha⁻¹) and two application times (at planting and tillering) were tested.
• MontanaGrow™ (0-0-5), a Si product from amorphous volcanic tuff, was used.

Main Results:

• No significant effects of Si rate or application time were observed on plant height, nutrient uptake, grain yield (GY), or grain protein content (GP).
• The results pertain specifically to irrigated winter wheat grown under non-stressed environmental conditions.

Conclusions:

• The specific Si fertilizer source (amorphous volcanic tuff) may explain the lack of significant impact under non-stressed conditions.
• Future research is planned to investigate Si's effects on wheat growth and yield in both non-stressed and stressed environments, using diverse Si sources and application methods.