Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to determine whether silicon (Si) supplied via nutrient solution or foliar spray is nutritionally and physiologically efficient in mitigating potassium (K) deficiency in maize plants.
Methods
To that end, an experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with maize plants grown in a hydroponic system. The treatments included two levels of K, i.e. K deficient (0.2 mmol L−1 of K) and K-sufficient (6 mmol L−1 of K). Under both these conditions, Si was supplied through stabilized potassium sodium silicate via nutrient solution (2 mmol L−1 of Si) or foliar spray (5.3 mmol L−1 of Si) and control (0 mmol L−1 of Si), using a completely randomized design and four repetitions.
Results
Potassium deficiency without the addition of Si showed less accumulation of K and Si and lower levels of photosynthetic pigments. It also caused the reduction in gas exchange and, consequently, a reduction in vegetative development. However, Si relieved K-deficiency stress in maize plants, since it improved nutritional, physiological and growth variables.
Conclusion
The application of Si to K-deficient maize plants improved their water use efficiency, their chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, and their dry matter production. This effect was more evident in the treatment of Si via roots.
Data Availability
Not applicable.
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Funding
This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) - Finance Code 001.
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dos Santos Sarah, M.M., de Mello Prado, R., Teixeira, G.C.M. et al. Silicon Supplied Via Roots or Leaves Relieves Potassium Deficiency in Maize Plants. Silicon 14, 773–782 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-020-00908-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12633-020-00908-1