Magnesium and silicon fertilizer application to promote rice growth and production

Abstract

The global demand for rice continues to increase due to population growth. In Indonesia, various innovations have been implemented for improving rice production, while magnesium silicate fertilizer application is still limited. The study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Mg and Si (MgSi Fert) on rice growth and productivity. This study was conducted at Luhur Jaya Village, Cipanas District, Lebak Regency, Banten Province in a rainy season. A randomized complete block design with ten treatments and three replications was set. The treatment was MgSi Fert with multiple dosages. Results showed that NPK fertilizer combined with 100 kg ha−1 MgSi fertilizer gave the highest yield. Based on the quadratic equation y = - 0.1301x2 + 28.812x + 5,474.2, it was known that highest slope on the equation was reached at dosage less than 150 kg ha−1 of MgSi Fert. The optimum dosage of MgSi Fert for Ciherang rice variety was achieved at 110 kg ha−1 with yield as 7.07 t ha−1. This present study showed that MgSi Fert application improved rice growth and yield.