Effects of silicon nanoparticles and conventional Si amendments on growth and nutrient accumulation by maize (Zea mays L.) grown in saline-sodic soil

Salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses in arid and semiarid climates which threatens the food security of the world. Present study had been designed to assess the efficacy of different abiogenic sources of silicon (Si) to mitigate the salinity stress on maize crop grown on salt-affected soil. Abiogenic sources of Si including silicic acid (SA), sodium silicate (Na–Si), potassium silicate (K–Si), and nanoparticles of silicon (NPs-Si) were applied in saline-sodic soil. Two consecutive maize crops with different seasons were harvested to evaluate the growth response of maize under salinity stress. Post-harvest soil analysis showed a significant decrease in soil electrical conductivity of soil paste extract (ECe) (−23.0%), sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) (−47.7%) and pH of soil saturated paste (pHs) (−9.5%) by comparing with salt-affected control. Results revealed that the maximum root dry weight was recorded in maize1 by the application of NPs-Si (149.3%) and maize2 (88.6%) over control. The maximum shoot dry weight was observed by the application of NPs-Si in maize1 (42.0%) and maize2 (7.4%) by comparing with control treatment. The physiological parameters like chlorophyll contents (52.5%), photosynthetic rate (84.6%), transpiration (100.2%), stomatal conductance (50.5%), and internal CO2 concentration (61.6%) were increased by NPs-Si in the maize1 crop when compared with the control treatment. The application of an abiogenic source (NPs-Si) of Si significantly increased the concentration of phosphorus (P) in roots (223.4%), shoots (22.3%), and cobs (130.3%) of the first maize crop. The current study concluded that the application of NPs-Si and K–Si improved the plant growth by increasing the availability of nutrients like P and potassium (K), physiological attributes, and by reducing the salts stress and cationic ratios in maize after maize crop rotation..