SILICON DOSES IN CONTRASTING SOILS FOR SOYBEAN: EFFECT ON NUTRITION AND GRAIN AND BIOMASS PRODUCTION

Abstract

Fertilization with silicon (Si) in soybean, a major crop of economic relevance, may bring benefits to its biomass and grain production. However, the results of silicon fertilization are contradictory in the literature. Thus, the objectives of this project are to evaluate the biometric, physiological, and gas exchange responses of soybean planted in three contrasting soils with different doses of Si. The experiment will be conducted during October 2022 to February/March 2022 in a randomized block design with 4 doses of Si on sandy, medium-textured, and clayey soils with 4 replications. All plots will receive the same amount of Ca and Mg. Chemical analyses of soluble Si and fertility of soil samples, evaluations of height, aboveground biomass, uptake of Si and nutrients, physiological evaluations (SPAD index, relative leaf water content, chlorophyll content, gas exchange), content and accumulation of Si and nutrients in the aboveground part, and water use efficiency (water applied/biomass) will be performed.