Effects of silicate application on soil fertility and wheat yield

An improvement in soil chemical properties and crop development with silicate application has been confirmed in several plant species. The effects of silicate application on soil chemical properties and wheat growth were investigated in the present study. The experiment was carried out in 8-L plastic pots in a greenhouse. Treatments were arranged in a randomized block design in a 3 x 5 factorial: three soils [Rhodic Acrudox (Ox1), Rhodic Hapludox (Ox2) and Arenic Hapludult (Ult)] and five silicate rates (0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 Mg ha(-1) of calcium/magnesium silicate), with four replications. The plant length, number of spikes per pot, shoot dry matter and grain yield, were measured after 115 days of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) growth. Changes in the soil chemical properties (pH, H+ + Al3+, Al3+, P, K, Ca, Mg, Si, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) were analyzed after wheat harvest. Application of calcium/magnesium silicate reduces the potential acidity (H+ + Al3+) and Al3+ phytotoxic; and increases the soil pH, available Ca, Mg and Si, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and soil base saturation. Silicate application did not affect the available P, exchangeable K and availability of micronutrients (Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) in the three soils. The application of calcium/magnesium silicate in an acid clayey Rhodic Hapludox improves the development and yield of wheat; however, the silicate application in soil with pH higher to 5.3 and high Si availability does not affect the agronomic characteristics and grain yield of wheat.