Silicon Nutrition of Rice

Situation or issue identification: Rice is a fairly new, but commercially established crop in South Florida that in addition to providing economic activity, has environmental benefits for lowland areas. In many soils used for rice production in South Florida, silicon is the most yield-limiting fertilizer element. Further, silicon fertilization can reduce disease incidence and severity, and thereby reduce the need for pesticide applications. Rationale for research support resources: Methods for identifying silicon-deficient soils, for determining needed rates of silicon fertilization, and for assessing various silicon fertilizer sources need to be determine and verified in the field.

Measurable or potential impact in terms of social, economic, and/or environmental factors resulting from expenditure of research support funds: By providing growers with information on the proper use of silicon in rice production, yields and revenue can be increased, and production costs can be minimized, thereby encouraging the production of this environmentally compatible crop.

Collaborating organizations/agencies and teaching/research/extension partnerships: The work is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Rice Council.

For more information contact: George H. Snyder