The importance of silicon in reducing water stress

Fertilizers have different compositions and concentrations of nutrients and are applied to contribute to the healthy development of crops. This process occurs by reducing adversities and complications during plant cultivation, thus increasing their resistance mechanisms.

Under natural growing conditions, plants are subject to various stress factors during their growth cycle. Among these factors is water deficit or lack of water, one of the main factors responsible for reducing production potential. This water deficiency may be the result not only of drought, soil salinity and low temperatures, but may also be a secondary effect caused by heavy metals or high radiation. Therefore, it is important to strengthen the plant's resistance mechanisms to adversity and water stress.

Silicon (Si) is the suitable element for this role. It acts at different levels (molecular, cellular and in the plant as a whole) to reduce water stress and helps in: i. maintenance of homeostasis, together with ionic balance and osmotic adjustment; ii. by the contraction of damage and its rapid repair, such as the elimination of reactive oxygen species and prevention of oxidative stress; iii. by detoxifying excess salts under soil salinity; iv. for the regulation and recovery of growth.

In this way, silicon acts to reduce water loss by the plant, as it helps in the formation of a layer of silica gel on the walls of the epidermal cells. As it is responsible for cooperating in adjusting the plant's water potential, it increases photosynthesis and the water content in the leaves. Furthermore, it increases the activation of the antioxidant defense and helps prevent the compression of vessels during high rates of transpiration, that is, silicon naturally increases the plants' defense mechanisms.

Thus, silicon provides numerous scientifically proven benefits to plants, including reducing the stress that plants are subjected to during their development.