Ameliorative Effect of Silicate in Soil and Plant. A Review

Abstract

Silica is the scientific name for a group of minerals made of silicon and oxygen. Silica is found in most mineral deposits in the world in both crystalline and non-crystalline (amorphous) forms. Silicon concentrations vary greatly in plant aboveground parts, ranging from 0.1 to 10.0% of dry weight. Silicates soil amendments provide effective and efficient means to correct a number of soil chemical imbalances, nutrient deficiencies and toxicity issues. Soil treatment with biogeochemically active Si substances optimizes soil fertility through improved water, physical and chemical soil properties and maintenance of nutrients in plant-available forms. The amount of Si in soil may vary considerably from 1 % to 45 %. Most Si is present in the soil as insoluble oxides or silicates, but plants can easily absorb silicic acid Si (OH) 4 from soil. Silicic acid is generally found in the range of 0.1-0.6 mM in soils. Unfortunately, soluble Si polymerizes insect pests such as leaf spider and mites. It prevents physical penetration and/ or makes the plant cells less susceptible to enzymatic degradation by fungal pathogens. rice, fusarium wilt, and corynespora leaf spot on cucumber. Silicon suppresses insect pests such as stem borer, brown plant hopper, rice green leaf hopper, and white backed plant hopper, and no insect pests such as leaf spider and mites. It prevents physical penetration and / or makes the plant cells less susceptible to enzymatic degradation by fungal pathogens.