Silicon fertilization effects in Pinus devoniana LINDL. in nursery stage

Objective: To evaluate the effect of applying silicon products on morphological variables, quality indices, and mineral content of Pinus devoniana seedlings during the nursery stage. Design/Methodology/Approach: Four-month-old nursery seedlings produced on substrate were used. These were supplied with silicon in soluble powder applied on the substrate, and foliar liquid presentation and then evaluated in their morphological variables, foliar mineral content, and quality indices. Results: The application of soluble silicon powder had a positive effect on stem length; while the stem diameter was favored by both applications, which improves its storage capacity. Regarding plant biomass production, the application of soluble silicon powder resulted in higher values of aerial biomass, while root production was favored by foliar liquid application. Plant quality was not affected by the silicon application from either the soluble powder or the liquid; however, the liquid foliar application had the best effect for determining variables of the species. The silicon application did not affect other essential element absorption. Limitations/Implications of the study: The results and conclusions are limited to Pinus devoniana plants in their nursery stage under the described management and substrate conditions. Findings/Conclusions: The silicon application favored growth, and did not affect the plant´s quality or other elements´ absorption. The soluble powder was positive for stem length, and the foliar application for root development benefited the stem diameter.