The effect of foliar applied silicic acid on growth and chemical composition of tomato transplants

Silicon (Si) is not an essential element for plant growth but considered as beneficial for the growth and development of most plants. The objective of this investigation was to investigate the effect of an extra supply of Si with foliar applied finely dispersed SiO2 • n H2O (= silicic acid “dissolved” in water) on early growth and elemental composition of tomato transplants. Silicic acid was applied as an aqueous spray applied in different concentrations from the first true leaf stage three times at two-week intervals in total 108 g/ha Si. Tomato transplants were taller with larger stem diameters when treateted with Si and NO3, N, P, K and Ca concentrations enhanced.