Agronomic and Physiological Response of Rice Plant to Application of Silica from Different Sources

Aims: The research aimed to study the response of agronomy and physiology of rice plant to different silica sources.

Study Design: Completely randomized design.

Place and Duration of Study: The research was conducted in screen house of Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University, Padang, Indonesia from April to December 2018.

Methodology: Completely randomized design was used in the assay. The treatment was 10 Si sources (No silica, Si 1 ppm, Si 2 ppm, Si 3 ppm, husk charcoal 50 g/plant, husk charcoal 100 g/plant, husk charcoal 150 g/plant, husk ash 50 g/plant, husk ash 100 g/plant, husk ash 150 g/plant). The variety was Anak Daro. Each treatment was replied 3 times so that 30 experimental units were obtained. The data was analysed by using F test in 5% and followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DNMRT) in 5%. The data analysis using software Statistic Tool for Agricultural Research (STAR).

Results: Silica sources affected the agronomic and physiological characters of rice plant. 2,3 ppm of silica, 100 and 150 g of husk charcoal and 100 g of husk ash were the best silica source for plant height. 3 ppm silica affected the number of tiller of rice plant. In number of chlorophyll, 150 g of husk ash affected the number of chlorophyll A and the silica sources did not affect the number of chlorophyll B.

Conclusion: The sources of silica affected the agronomic and physiological response of rice plant which can be useful for rice cultivation in the region.