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The Use of Soluble Silicon via Fertigation and Leaf Application in Panicum Maximum Modulates Production Without Decreasing Grass Quality

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Abstract

Silicon is a beneficial element for forage grasses. However, to recommend its use, it is important to understand better whether it is possible to reconcile the increase in biomass production and no decreases in its quality. Because this information is lacking, this research aims to evaluate the effects of Si concentrations applied via fertigation with and without complement of Si leaf application on the agronomic characteristics, biomass production, and chemical composition of the grass Panicum maximum BRS cv. Zuri. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse. The experiment had a 4 × 2 factorial design, being four concentrations of Si (0, 1.5, 3, and 4.5 mmol L−1) in the form of potassium silicate applied via fertigation in the absence and in the presence of a complementary application of Si via leaf (1.0 g L−1). This research shows that the use of high-soluble silicon at a concentration of 3.0 mmol L−1 via fertigation is sufficient to obtain an optimal nutritional efficiency and grass growth, with no need for complementary application of Si via leaf application. It is possible and viable to use Si for grasses, as it enhances the production of biomass without impairing the nutritional value and quality of the grass.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agronomy, Mato Grosso State University (UNEMAT), Alta Floresta, Mato Grosso, Brazil

    Antonio Carlos Buchelt, Gustavo Caione, Sabrina Machado Dela Justina, Jhonatas da Silva Ribeiro & Antonio Martins de Souza Júnior

  2. School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, Department of Soils and Fertilizers, São Paulo State University “Júlio de Mesquita Filho” (UNESP), Jaboticabal, São Paulo, Brazil

    Renato de Mello Prado

  3. Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Maranhão, Chapadinha, Maranhão, Brazil

    Anderson de Moura Zanine, Daniele de Jesus Ferreira & Francisca Claudia da Silva de Sousa

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  1. Antonio Carlos Buchelt
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  2. Renato de Mello Prado
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  5. Sabrina Machado Dela Justina
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Contributions

Antonio Carlos Buchelt: Conducting the experiment, analysis, data tabulation and writing and final revision. Renato de Mello Prado: Orientation, writing and final revision. Gustavo Caione: Orientation, analysis and final revision. Anderson de Moura Zanine: Laboratory analysis, data interpretation and final revision. Sabrina Machado Dela Justina, Jhonatas da Silva Ribeiro and Antonio Martins de Souza Junior: Conducting the experiment. Daniele de Jesus Ferreira and Francisca Claudia da Silva de Sousa: Laboratory analysis and final revision. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Antonio Carlos Buchelt.

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Buchelt, A.C., de Mello Prado, R., Caione, G. et al. The Use of Soluble Silicon via Fertigation and Leaf Application in Panicum Maximum Modulates Production Without Decreasing Grass Quality. Silicon 15, 7553–7563 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-023-02602-4

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