Silicon in Sugarcane: Availability in Soil, Fertilization, and Uptake

Author(s)

Camargo, Monica Sartori ^[1] ; Keeping, Malcolm G. ^{[2, 3]}

Affiliation

^[1] Agencia Paulista Tecnol Agronegocios APTA, POB 28, BR-13412050 Piracicaba, SP - Brazil

^[2] South African Sugarcane Res Inst, Private Bag X02, ZA-4300 Mt Edgecombe, Blackburn - South Africa

^[3] Univ Witwatersrand, Sch Anim Plant & Environm Sci, PO Wits 2050, Johannesburg - South Africa

• Document type: Review article
• Source: SILICON; v. 13, n. 10, p. 3691-3701, OCT 2021.
• Web of Science Citations: 4

Abstract

Purpose Silicon (Si) is the predominant element in soils, but is usually sparingly soluble and limited in its availability for plant uptake. Although Si is not a nutrient, Si fertilization may be necessary in weathered soils where Si is depleted to obtain increased yield, especially for Si-accumulating plants such as sugarcane. The multiple harvest of sugarcane crops in such soils may lead to Si depletion over time if Si supplementation is not practiced. However, there is a lack of information about soils type and Si concentrations in soils with positive responses to Si fertilization. Methods Advances in methods of analysis of Si in soil and plants and their implementation in future studies can improve our understanding of the dynamics of Si in soil-sugarcane systems. Additionally, the responses to Si fertilization require further investigation in sugarcane, which is planted in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world where soils are strongly weathered and Si-depleted. Results Here, we review our current state of knowledge on Si solubility, availability for plant uptake, responses to Si fertilization, and its uptake in sugarcane. Conclusions This paper summarized outcomes from early and recent research on Si in sugarcane, with a view to improving yields through appropriate Si nutrition. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 06/06288-2 - Interrelashionship between soil, production, borer stalk and rust severity and silicon absorption by sugarcane at São Paulo State
• Grantee: Mônica Sartori de Camargo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 08/10795-2 - Silicon fertilization to sugarcane: influence on yield, technological quality and stalk borer and rust incidence
• Grantee: Mônica Sartori de Camargo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 18/05843-0 - Silicon fertilization in sugarcane: rates, cultivars and water deficit
• Grantee: Mônica Sartori de Camargo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/04144-7 - Silicon fertilization in sugarcane and water stress tolerance: influence on soil, uptake and biometric, physiological and biochemical parameters
• Grantee: Mônica Sartori de Camargo
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants