Periodical status of plant available silicon as influenced by silicon extractants and levels of silicon in alkaline soils

Abstract

An incubation study was conducted by using calcium silicate as a source of silicon in alkaline soils of order Inceptisols and Vertisols. The purpose of study was to know the periodical status of plant available silicon (PAS) as influenced by silicon extractants and levels of silicon in alkaline soils. The experiment was laid out in factorial completely randomized design having seventy treatment combinations replicated thrice. The main treatments were ten silicon extractants and sub treatments were levels of silicon. The periodical status of PAS in Inceptisols and Vertisols showed bell shaped curve throughout incubation study. The PAS status increased from 0 to 40 day and then decreased from 60 to 100 day. The maximum PAS was recorded at 40 day. The silicon extractant 0.1 M Citric acid (1:50) and application of GRDF + Si @ 200 kg ha-1 recorded significantly highest PAS status in Inceptisols and Vertisols throughout incubation study.