Sugarcane is a major cash crop for the farmers of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar, Haryana and Punjab. The livelihoods of all these farmers rely on the quality & quantity of the sugarcane harvest.
In a recent study, it is found that the silicon nutrient is extremely important for obtaining a good yield of this crop. Sugarcane absorbs silicon in the form of silicic acid and stores it in the leaves. Sugarcane plants can absorb up to 700 kg of Silicon per hectare.
Benefits of Silicon for Sugarcane
1) Growth of crops: Silicon is stored in the cell walls of the leaves in the form of silica gel. As a result, a thick layer is formed on the leaf blade. It helps the process of photosynthesis which helps to increase the height and thickness of the stem. It also helps to increase the crop’s capability to withstand water stress.
2) Helps to keep percentage of nitrogen constant: If percentage of soluble silicon is more than 0.7% in the leaves, metals like Manganese does not stay in one place and spreads everywhere. So their adverse effects is prohibited. Due to silicon, the process of Phosphorus fixation in the soil decreases and phosphorus is well absorbed by the crops. Also, the amount of Phosphorus in the crops is controlled. The adverse effects of excessive Nitrogen are avoided and silicon helps to maintain nitrogen percentage.
Silicon Fertilizer Recommendation:
Silicon fertilizers made from chemical sources are not affordable for farmers and so they cannot use them. When a traditional source is considered, as per the recommendation of Mahatma Phule Agricultural University, when 1 to 1.5 tonnes of bags of trash is used in sugarcane, it provides 400 kg silicon for the crop. Silicon is also supplied to sugarcane through compost of trash.
Silicon & Soil Fertility:
The soil provides crop growth, supply of nutrients, proper balance of air and water. The supply of silicon fertilizers has a favorable effect on soil health. The soil becomes rich in humus and helps in root growth. Increases water holding capacity of sugarcane Helps in maintaining proper balance of air and water Facilitates bacterial function It has been shown that soil and organic carbon levels are also increasing. It also helps in reducing evaporation from the soil at higher temperatures.
