Effect of Foliar Application of Silicic Acid on Soybean Yield and Seed Quality under Field Conditions

Abstract

A field experiment was conducted with two soybean varieties (MAUS-2 and KBS-23) and seven treatments in a randomized complete block design with three replications to investigate the effect of foliar application of silicic acid on soybean yield and seed quality under field condition. Significant increase in haulm, pod and seed yield was observed with the foliar application of silicic acid at 2 mL L−1 for three times and 4 mL L-1 for two times in MAUS-2 and KBS-23 variety, respectively. Foliar applied silicic acid significantly improved protein yield of KBS-23 variety and oil yield of MAUS-2 variety. Greater variation in silicon (Si) content among the various plant parts of soybean were recorded with the application of silicic acid and boric acid. The highest silicon content was in haulm followed by husk and seed. Among the two varieties, KBS-23 responded better for foliar application of silicic acid than MAUS-2 variety. Application of boric acid also enhanced the growth and yield of soybean over control. Foliar application of silicic acid at two different doses (2 and 4 mL L−1) for two or three times significantly enhanced the yield, quality and Si content of soybean. Application of silicic acid at 2 mL L−1 thrice and 4 mL L−1 twice along with recommended dose of fertilizer was effective in MAUS-2 and KBS-23 variety, respectively.