Editorial, J Soil Sci Plant Health Vol: 7 Issue: 5

Silicon Nutrition in Crops: Enhancing Plant Growth and Stress Resilience

Dr. Kavita Nair^*

Department of Plant Nutrition, Western Ghats University, India

*Corresponding Author:

Dr. Kavita Nair
Department of Plant Nutrition, Western Ghats University, India
E-mail: k.nair@wgu.ac.in

Received: 01-Oct-2025, Manuscript No. JSPH-26-183609; Editor assigned: 4-Oct-2025, Pre-QC No. JSPH-26-183609 (PQ); Reviewed: 18-Oct-2025, QC No. JSPH-26-183609; Revised: 25-Oct-2025, Manuscript No. JSPH-26- 183609 (R); Published: 30-Oct-2025, DOI: 10.4172/jsph.1000243

Citation: Kavita N (2025) Silicon Nutrition in Crops: Enhancing Plant Growth and Stress Resilience. J Soil Sci Plant Health 7: 243

Introduction

Silicon (Si) is increasingly recognized as a beneficial element for plant growth, although it is not classified as an essential nutrient. It plays a crucial role in strengthening plant structure, enhancing resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and improving overall crop productivity. Silicon is absorbed by plants primarily as monosilicic acid (Hâ??SiOâ??) from the soil and is deposited in cell walls, forming silica structures that reinforce tissue rigidity. Understanding silicon nutrition is vital for modern agriculture, as it offers a sustainable approach to improving crop performance, particularly under stress-prone environments [1,2].

Discussion

Silicon contributes to plant health in multiple ways. Structurally, it accumulates in cell walls and forms silica bodies called phytoliths, which enhance mechanical strength, reduce lodging in cereals, and improve leaf erectness for better light interception. Silicon also forms a physical barrier against pathogens and pests, reducing disease incidence and insect damage. Studies have shown that crops with adequate silicon nutrition exhibit lower susceptibility to fungal infections, bacterial pathogens, and insect herbivory [3,4].

Beyond structural benefits, silicon mediates physiological and biochemical processes that improve stress tolerance. Under drought or salinity conditions, silicon enhances water use efficiency by regulating transpiration and maintaining leaf turgor. It also stabilizes cell membranes and mitigates oxidative damage by stimulating antioxidant enzyme activity. Additionally, silicon improves nutrient uptake by influencing root architecture and modulating soil nutrient availability, particularly for phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients.

Silicon nutrition can be enhanced through soil application of silicate fertilizers, such as calcium silicate, or by using silicon-rich organic amendments, including rice husk ash and slag. Foliar sprays of soluble silicon compounds also provide rapid supplementation, especially in soils with low available silicon. However, silicon uptake varies among plant species, with high accumulators like rice, sugarcane, and wheat responding most strongly to supplementation, while low accumulators like legumes show moderate benefits [5].

Integrating silicon nutrition into crop management aligns with sustainable agriculture goals. By reducing disease pressure and enhancing stress tolerance, silicon can lower dependence on chemical pesticides and fertilizers, decrease yield losses under adverse conditions, and improve long-term soil and plant health.

Conclusion

Silicon nutrition is a vital component of modern crop management, offering structural, physiological, and protective benefits that enhance plant growth and resilience. Supplementing crops with silicon through soil amendments or foliar applications strengthens defenses against biotic and abiotic stresses, improves nutrient use efficiency, and supports sustainable agricultural practices. Promoting silicon-enriched management strategies can increase crop productivity, reduce chemical inputs, and contribute to resilient and environmentally sustainable farming systems worldwide.

References

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