The effect of foliar application of Nano-Sulfur-Silica fertilizer on growth, yield, and biochemical characteristics of two rice varieties in suboptimal soils
摘要
This study examined how nanofertilizer of sulfur-silicon (S-Si) supports rice growth, particularly by improving nutrient uptake in suboptimal soil. Sulfur-silica nanofertilizers appear to be a promising solution for increasing rice yields, particularly in soils that are low in nitrogen and potassium. The factorial design was used, with three replications, to evaluate three different concentrations of silica fertilizer (1, 4, and 8 ml L⁻¹) across two rice varieties: Inpari 32 and Membramo. Growth, yield, and biochemical markers were assessed, with data analyzed using ANOVA and Duncan’s test. Silica content was also measured in descriptive statistics. The results showed that Membramo had superior plant height and more tillers than Inpari 32 by 60 days after transplanting. The application of 4 ml L⁻¹ of sulfur-silica boosted several growth factors, including plant height, tiller count, and leaf number, at key stages of development. Both rice varieties responded similarly in terms of silica content, but the biochemical factors—such as vitamin C, soluble protein, reducing sugars, phenolics, and flavonoids—saw a significant increase with the 4 ml L⁻¹ sulfur-silica treatment. Additionally, higher concentrations of sulfur-silica led to a greater silica content in the leaves of the rice plants.