Silicon fertilization in soil to soybean under water deficit: effect on nutrition and yield of grain and biomass

• Grant number: 23/11228-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2023
• End date: September 30, 2024
• Field of knowledge: Agronomical Sciences - Agronomy - Soil Science
• Principal Investigator: Mônica Sartori de Camargo
• Grantee: Paola Soares de Sousa Gomes
• Host Institution: APTA Regional. Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios (APTA). Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento (São Paulo - Estado). Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The effects of silicon (Si) on yield plants and the minimization of damage caused by water deficit have been shown in several crops, especially gramineous plants. For soybean, there are few studies conducted with Si application, especially with silicates, which are the most common source used in Si-deficient soils. Therefore, the objectives of this present study will be evaluated the biometric and physiological, and gas exchange responses with and without Si in sandy soil (low Si content) subjected to water deficit during the R1 phase (start of flowering). It will be conducted an experiment in pots filled in sandy soil under greenhouse conditions from October-November/2023 to February-March/2024. The experimental design will be in randomized casualized blocks with eight repetitions and six treatments: a) well-watered (100% soil field capacity) + Si (600 kg ha-1 Si); b) well-watered - Si (zero Si); c) moderate water deficit (50% soil field capacity) + Si; d) moderate water deficit (50% soil field capacity) - Si (zero Si); e) severe water deficit (40% soil field capacity) + Si; f) severe water deficit (40% soil field capacity) - Si (zero Si). Chemical analysis for evaluation of soil fertility and levels of soluble Si in soil, biometric evaluations (height, fresh and dry biomass of above-ground and root system, grain yield), physiological evaluations, concentrations of Si, and nutrients will be evaluated.