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The aim of the study was the evaluation of silicon foliar application on sugar beet yield. In the years 2017–2019, the effect of a single foliar application of various forms of silicon (potassium silicate—PS, calcium silicate—CS, sodium metasilicate—SM, and orthosilicic stabilized acid—OSA) applied in the six-leaf phase of sugar beet, 7 and 14 days later on yield and technological quality of sugar beet roots was assessed. It was found that the form of silicon does not have a significant effect on the yield of sugar beet roots, and significantly modifies the biological yield of sugar and the pure sugar yield. The highest biological yield of sugar is achieved by the foliar application of PS, and the pure sugar yield by PS and OSA. The date of foliar application as well as the interaction of the date of application and silicon forms do not have a significant effect on the root yield, biological yield of sugar, and pure sugar yield. The form of silicon has a significant effect on the technological quality of sugar beet roots (sugar, α-amino nitrogen, potassium, and sodium content). The most beneficial effect on the sugar content and reduction of sodium content in sugar beet roots is the foliar application of OSA, and the reduction of α-amino nitrogen and potassium content—PS. The timing of the application of various forms of silicon has a significant effect on the sugar and potassium content in sugar beet roots. The most beneficial effect on the sugar content in the roots is the application carried out 7 days after the six-leaf phase of sugar beet, and the potassium content is most limited by the treatment 14 days after reaching this phase. The interaction of the timing of foliar application and the form of silicon significantly modifies the technological quality features of sugar beet roots: the content of sugar, α-amino nitrogen, potassium, and sodium. The results of the study proved the significant effect of silicon foliar application on the physiological parameters of plants, such as leaf area index (LAI), absorption of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) which are related to yield and sugar beet productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water shortage and drought are a growing problem in Europe. Therefore, effective methods for limiting its effects are necessary. At the same time, the "field to fork" strategy adopted by the European Commission aims to achieve a significant reduction in the use of plant protection products and fertilizers in the European Union. In an experiment conducted in 2018–2020, the effect of the method of foliar fertilization containing silicon and potassium on the yield and technological quality of sugar beet roots was assessed. The fertilizer was used in seven combinations, differing in the number and time of application. The best results were obtained by treating plants during drought stress. The better soil moisture for the plants, the smaller the pure sugar yield increase was observed. It is difficult to clearly state which combination of silicon and potassium foliar application is optimal, as their effects do not differ greatly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]