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Rice fertilization also pays attention to silicon and zinc
In the optimized fertilization of rice, attention is often focused on the combined use of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, while the importance of silicon and zinc is frequently overlooked. However, these micronutrients play a crucial role in ensuring healthy growth and high yields.
Rice is known to absorb significant amounts of silicon, with silica content in the stems and leaves ranging from 10% to 20%. The concentration of silicic acid in rice is about ten times that of nitrogen and twenty times that of phosphorus. A deficiency in silicon can lead to weak stalks, increased lodging risk, and higher susceptibility to diseases. Early silicon deficiency reduces the number of panicles, while late deficiency affects the number of spikelets, ultimately compromising both yield and quality. Applying silicon fertilizer improves disease resistance, strengthens plant structure, enhances light interception, reduces transpiration, and increases water-use efficiency. On average, this can boost production by over 10% and significantly improve grain quality, especially in new paddy fields, cold soils, and acidic conditions.
Although zinc is a trace element, it has a major impact on crops like rice and corn. Zinc is a component of several enzymes involved in chlorophyll synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism, which directly affects photosynthesis and overall plant health. Rice is particularly sensitive to zinc deficiency, which can result in slow leaf growth, narrow and pale new leaves, and yellowing veins. In severe cases, plants become stunted with few tillers, and the field may show irregular patterns. Root discoloration and failure to produce grains (often referred to as "flower not filling") are also common. Yield losses can range from 1% to 3%, and in extreme cases, entire plots may be destroyed. Field trials have shown that proper zinc application increases plant height, effective tillers, grains per panicle, and 1000-grain weight, while reducing empty heading rates by more than 15%. This effect is especially noticeable in acidic, calcareous, and cold paddy soils.
To optimize rice growth, the following practices are recommended:
1. **Silicon Fertilizer Application**: Silicates containing calcium and magnesium are commonly used. During the base fertilizer stage, mix 1 kg of effective silicon per mu with other fertilizers for optimal results.
2. **Zinc Fertilizer Application**: It is best applied as a basal fertilizer at a rate of 1 kg of zinc sulfate per acre, mixed with other nutrients. Alternatively, foliar sprays can be used during the mid-to-late growth stages. A 0.3% zinc sulfate solution is typically applied as a top-dressing, using around 500 grams per acre. If zinc deficiency symptoms appear or during the late tillering stage, seeds can be soaked in a 0.1% zinc sulfate solution for 24 hours before planting. These practices ensure better nutrient uptake and improved crop performance.