Extraction and accumulation of silicon in tomato grown under different water regimes and application forms

ABSTRACT The application of silicon (Si) in plants benefits the performance of several species. However, the dynamics of the element, mainly in non-accumulating species such as tomatoes, are rarely analyzed. This study investigated the dynamics of Si in tomato plants cultivated under different forms of application and water conditions. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with four replications, using a factorial scheme 2 x 4: two water conditions (60 and 100% of the evapotranspiration of the crop - ETc), and four forms of silicon application (without application, full dose applied at soil, split dose applied at soil, and foliar application). Si content in the soil and in the different plant organs were analyzed. Si content in the soil increased after the crop cycle depending on the application form (full or split doses). The dynamics of Si accumulation and extraction by tomato are influenced by the application form (higher in soil application) and water management, with fruits and leaves having the higher values. Si application, mainly in the soil, increased the rate of Si accumulation and extraction by tomatoes cultivated in different water conditions.