Silicon Fertilization Improves Growth Attributes, Root Traits, Water Relations and Photosynthetic Activity of Maize (Zea mays L.) Genotypes

A forty day long pot culture experiment was conducted to study the impact of silicon fertilization on the growth and root traits of various hybrid maize genotypes. Ten different maize genotypes were selected and tested with three levels (0, 75 kg ha -1 and 150 kg ha -1 ) of silicon as calcium silicate. The genotypes were imposed with recommended fertilizers (250:75:75kg NPK ha -1 ) and grown up to 40 days by following necessary plant protection and production measures. At the end of 40 days, growth parameters viz., plant height, leaf area, leaf width, SPAD and relative water content and root traits like root length, lateral root length and root volume were recorded. Results indicated that with an increase in Silicon application, there is a remarkable increase in the overall development of hybrid maize genotypes. A linear increase in growth attributes of maize genotypes was observed with increasing levels of Si application upto 150 kg Si ha -1 . The genotype CO (H) M 8 was found to be the most responsive genotype to Si application among all the ten genotypes followed by CMH12-586 and VaMH12014. Lesser response to Si application was noticed with NK 6240 and CMH 15-005. Inclusion of silicon in the fertilizer schedule showed positive impact on growth and root attributes of hybrid maize genotypes which was evident in better photosynthetic parameters, leaf area and width, and relative water content observed in the plants. Relationship studies also confirmed the positive correlation exists among various growth and root parameters for silicon fertilisation.