Evaluation of Calcium Silicate, Rice Hull and Rice Hull Ash as Silicon Sources in Wetland Rice in Acidic and Alkaline Soils

Abstract

Field trials were conducted to evaluate locally available calcium silicate, rice hull and rice hull ash as silicon (Si) source in acidic and alkaline rice fields and their effect on growth, yield and nutrient uptake of wetland rice. Application of calcium silicate and rice hull significantly improved growth parameters like number of tillers, LAI and SPAD values, and yield parameters like number of panicles per hill, filled grains per panicle, grain and straw yield in both acidic and alkaline soils. Uptake of P and Ca in acidic soil and that of K and Fe in alkaline soil increased with the application of Si. Increase in grain yield to the tune of 3.67 to 38.2 and 2.67 to 29.4 per cent was observed with the application of Si sources at different levels in acidic and alkaline soils, respectively. Application of calcium silicate and rice hull were beneficial as Si source for wet land rice production in both acidic and alkaline soils.