New strategy for silicon supply through fertigation in sugarcane integrating the pre-sprouted seedling phase and field cultivation

Abstract

Adopting a Si supply strategy can amplify sugarcane response. Thus, this study aimed to verify whether Si supply in the pre-sprouted seedling (PSS) formation phase would have an effect after field transplanting similar to Si supply only in the field phase (via foliar spraying or fertigation), and whether Si supply in the PSS formation phase associated with Si fertigation after transplanting can potentiate or amplify Si benefits. Two experiments were conducted. In experiment I, PSS were grown in nursery without Si (Control) and with Si. Experiment II was conducted in the field on Eutrustox with the following treatments: no Si supply (Control); Si supplied during the PSS formation phase; Si supplied through foliar spraying in the field; Si supplied through fertigation in the field; and Si supplied in the PSS formation phase and during field development. Silicon use in both crop phases benefited sugarcane by increasing photosynthetic pigment content and the antioxidative defense system. The innovation of Si management to be supplied via fertigation integrated in both crop phases (PSS and in the field) optimizes the element use by increasing the crop's productivity and sustainability.