1、Silicon, a quasi

Silicon can exist in various forms in soil and can be grouped into three classes based on its solubility i.e. liquid, adsorbed, and solid-phase fractions (Matichenkov and Bocharnikova, 2001).

2、Types of Active Silicon in Silicon

In this review, we provide an overview of different smart fertilizer types, application of Si fertilizers in agriculture, availability of Si fertilizers, and experiments conducted in greenhouses, growth chambers, and open fields.

3、Silicon as a Smart Fertilizer for Sustainability and Crop

In this review, we provide an overview of different smart fertilizer types, application of Si fertilizers in agriculture, availability of Si fertilizers, and experiments conducted in greenhouses, growth chambers, and open fields.

Editorial: New advances of silicon in the soil

In this dedicated Research Topic, we have curated a collection of studies that delve into the multifaceted role of Si in enhancing soil-plant dynamics. One significant contribution is the work by Teixeira et al., which focuses on the role of Si in energy cane.

Effects of silicon fertilizer and biochar on active silicon components

In addition, the addition of silicon fertilizer could directly and indirectly improve soil water-soluble silicon, mediate the conversion of soil silicon components, and improve the...

Silicon Sources for Agriculture

Silicon (Si) sources for agricultural use range from chemical products to natural minerals to by-products of steel and iron industries. All these products are shown to be effective in improving crop growth and yield.

Chapter 12 Silicon Sources for Agriculture

Chapter 12 Silicon Sources for Agriculture Abstract This chapter overviews the major silicate fertilizers commercially available and descr. bes briefly their manufacturing processes. Silicon (Si) sources for agricultural use range from chemical products to natural minerals t.

Silicon as a Smart Fertilizer for Sustainability and Crop Improvement

In this review, we provide an overview of different smart fertilizer types, application of Si fertilizers in agriculture, availability of Si fertilizers, and experiments conducted in...

Silicon and plant nutrition—dynamics, mechanisms of transport and role

Several types of Si fertilizers are currently available on the market, including natural, synthetic, liquid, and solid fertilizers, and some industrial byproducts can also be used.

Dynamics of Silicon in Soil and Plant to Establish Silicate

Currently, silicon fertilizer recommendations are decided based on (a) crop lime requirement, (b) optimal average silicon rate established from numerous studies, and (c) plant shoot silicon removal rate.

Silicon fertilizer, also known as silicon-containing fertilizer or silicon source fertilizer, is a nutrient product primarily composed of silicon. Silicon is an essential nutrient element for plant growth, playing a critical role in plant development, physiological processes, and stress resistance. The "active silicon" in silicon fertilizer refers to the form of silicon that can be absorbed and utilized by plants.

The content of active silicon varies depending on the product and manufacturer, typically ranging from 20% to 50%. This range generally meets the growth needs of most plants.

Active silicon in silicon fertilizers exists in the following primary forms:

1. Water-soluble silicates: These include compounds like sodium silicate (Na₂SiO₃) and potassium silicate (K₂SiO₃). They dissolve in water to form silicic acid solutions, which are directly absorbable by plants.

2. Insoluble silicates: Examples include calcium silicate (CaSiO₃) and magnesium silicate (MgSiO₃). While insoluble in water, these silicates combine with soil cations (e.g., calcium, magnesium) to form precipitates that plants can uptake.

3. Organic silicon compounds: Compounds such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polytrimethylsiloxane (PTMS) act as auxiliary agents, promoting plant growth and development.

4. Compound silicate fertilizers: These contain active silicon combined with other nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), such as ammonium silicate (NH₄SiO₃) or potassium silicate (K₂SiO₃). They provide both silicon and essential macronutrients.

The active silicon in silicon fertilizers plays vital roles in plant growth:

1. Promoting growth: Active silicon stimulates root development, enhances water absorption, and increases crop yield and growth rate.

2. Improving stress resistance: It strengthens plants’ tolerance to adverse conditions (e.g., drought, cold, pests, and diseases).

3. Enhancing quality: By boosting photosynthetic efficiency and chlorophyll content, active silicon improves crop quality.

4. Facilitating nutrient uptake: It aids in the absorption and utilization of other nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium), optimizing overall plant nutrition.

active silicon in silicon fertilizers is crucial for promoting plant growth, enhancing stress resistance, improving crop quality, and optimizing nutrient uptake. Rational application of silicon fertilizers is therefore significant for agricultural productivity.