Levels of silicon application in Oryza sativa L. influenced by soil correction

Abstract

Rice has a great capacity to absorb silicon (Si) in the roots, which accumulates in the aerial part of the plant accompanying the flow of transpiration. This study aimed to evaluate how Si and liming affect the phytometry and silicon contents in rice plants (Oryza sativa L.). A total of 5 g of limestone was applied per pot containing 5 kg of soil. The silicon doses were: 0; 0.25; 0.50; 0.75 and 1 g per pot with and without correction, with four replicates. Five seeds were sown per pot and fertilization was performed according to the need of the crop. After two months, the plant material was collected, oven-dried at 60 °C and analyzed for silicon contents. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and regression using the Sisvar software. The results showed that liming provided higher Si uptake by the plants. The plants that were not submitted to liming presented increases of both dry mass and green mass. The silicon doses resulted in a linear increase in the production of shoot green mass and dry mass of rice plants.