Silicon Amendment–Influence on Sorghum Growth, Yield, and nutrient Uptake under Water Stress
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Date
2023
Authors
Kaaria, Kallen
Gweyi-Onyango, Joseph
Muui, Catherine
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IAJAH
Abstract
Silicon enhances plant growth and development, alleviating the effects
of biotic and abiotic stresses. Drought severe abiotic stress that hampers
plant growth and production globally, posing threat to food security.
Mass production of sorghum is crucial to eradicating the present
increasing food insecurity in water-stressed regions. The study evaluated
the effects of silicon on nutrients uptake, growth and yield of sorghum
under different water regimes. A two-season field trial was carried out
to evaluate two sorghum varieties (seredo and Machakos local red), silicon (with silicon and without silicon) under three irrigation regimes
(20%, 40% and 60%) laid out in Randomized Completely Block Design in
a factorial arrangement replicated thrice. Data was collected on growth,
yield and nutrients uptake, which was subjected to analysis of variance
using R software. Results showed that Seredo variety had the highest
root dry weight (123.5 g) and longest roots (51.4 cm). At 60% water
regime and silicon amendment enhanced sorghum growth better than
other treatments. Seredo variety recorded the highest grain yield
(4.82tha 1
), phosphorus (95.53 kg ha 1
), nitrogen (32.16 kg ha 1
), K
(76.06 kg ha 1
), calcium (3919.00 kg ha 1
) and magnesium (165.02 kg
ha 1
). Seredo had the maximum harvest index of 0.41. At 40% water
regime, Seredo variety amendment with Si produced the highest grain
yields and nutrients uptake. Si amendment can improve sorghum
growth and yield under water stress conditions, as indicated by high
grain yield and nutrients uptake achieved at 40% water regime. The use
of Silicon is recommended for improving sorghum productivity in
regions experiencing low rainfall.
Description
Article
Keywords
Drought growth, silicon amendment, sorghum, yield
Citation
Ongeri, G., Mbataru, P. (2023). Determinants of adoption of solar energy for home use in Nairobi City County, Kenya. International Academic Journal of Arts and Humanities, 1(3), 167-183.