Silicon fertilization in sugarcane: soils, type of application, and water deficit

• Grant number: 25/08675-4
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: Mônica Sartori de Camargo
• Grantee: Mônica Sartori de Camargo
• Host Institution: APTA Regional. Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios (APTA). Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (São Paulo - Estado). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Marcelo de Almeida Silva

Abstract

Sugarcane is of great economic importance to Brazil, the largest producer, as well as to São Paulo state, which has the largest area and yield because it is the world's leading producer of sugar. Sugarcane is used to generate other products, such as ethanol and bioenergy, which contribute to reducing the use of fossil fuels and consequently promote environmental sustainability. Since most areas are not irrigated, alternatives have been sought to mitigate the water deficit. Water deficit is one of the most frequent abiotic stresses in recent years, making it difficult to increase crop productivity. Fertilizing with silicon (Si) has shown potential for mitigating the damage caused by water deficits in sugarcane. However, further studies are needed to understand its effects, depending on the intensity and application method (soil or foliar), as well as the potential positive effects in soils with higher soluble silicon content. The objective of the project will be to evaluate the effects of Si fertilization on soluble Si in the soil and its absorption and physiological, biometric aspects, anatomical changes and Si deposition in sugar cane growing in pots as a function of the intensity of the deficit (moderate and severe) in sandy soil, type of application (soil and foliar) in two soils (sandy and clay) and severe water deficit and types of application (soil and foliar) in clay soil. The project consists of three stages. The first stage will evaluate the effects of silicon (Si) and severe and moderate water deficits on major growth and recovery at maturity. The second stage will evaluate the application methods (soil and foliar) of silicon (Si) for sugarcane grown in sandy and clay soil. The third stage will evaluate two application methods (soil and foliar) and the effects of severe water deficit on sugarcane grown in clay soil. Stage 4 will evaluate Si deposition and anatomical changes from Stages 1 and 3. Stage 4 will use leaves collected after the water deficit from stages 1 and 3 to visualize the distribution and accumulation of deposited silicon (Si) using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). All stages include physiological and biometric evaluations, as well as guidance of the plants to maturity. Evaluating the physiological and biometric aspects, anatomical changes, and silicon deposition (stage 4); soluble silicon in the soil and silicon absorbed in studies involving deficit intensity (stage 1); soil type and application method (stage 2); and deficit and application method (stage 3) could enhance the comprehension of role of Si in mitigating the deleterious effects of water deficit on sugarcane. (AU)