Effect of Combined Application of Foliar Sprays of Orthosilicic Acid (OSA) with Basal NPK Fertilizer on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Abstract

Purpose Benefits of silicon to plant growth and yield in higher plants has been explored recently. This study was conducted to assess the effects combined application of foliar application of Orthosilicic Acid (OSA) with basal NPK fertilizer on growth and yield of rice. Methods The study was conducted in Ntende site at Rwagitima marshland, Gatsibo district in the Eastern province of Rwanda. The field experiment was laid in randomized complete block design with three replications across in two cropping seasons in 2019/2020. Two recommended doses of fertilizer (RDF); 100% RDF (200 kgha− 1 NPK and 100 kgha− 1 Urea) and 75% RDF (150 kgha− 1 NPK and 75 kgha− 1 Urea) were used in combination with different doses of silixol orthosilicic acid (OSA). The Si fertilizers were applied in liquid form at panicle initiation and grain filling stages. Results Combined application of OSA with RDF produced better growth attributes (plant height, number of tillers, root length, flag leaf length and width) compared with using RDF only. Similarly, OSA application showed higher yield components, number of panicles, panicle weight, grain weight per panicle and 1000-grain weight. Highest yield of 5.81 t/ha which equates to 24% increase was obtained when 100% RDF + 4ml/l OSA was applied. Conclusion Rice fertilization with Si helps to stimulate plant growth, yield attributes and yield. Therefore, potential of Si could further be explored among rice farmers in Rwanda.