Effect of Silicon Fertilization on Crop Yield Quantity and Quality—A Literature Review in Europe

Abstract

This paper presents a research review of the effect of silicon fertilization on the yield quantity and quality in the last 15 years. The study focuses on plant species grown in Europe: cereals, soybean, rapeseed, sugar beet, potato, meadows, berries and vegetables, and orchard and ornamental plants. The use of silicon is most common in the production of vegetables in greenhouses. However, the use of this element for the fertilization of agricultural plants is rare. Positive prospects of silicon fertilization are associated with foliar application, which is much cheaper and more convenient to use than soil fertilization. Foliar application of silicon has a biostimulative effect, and the best results are observed in stressful conditions for plants such as salinity, deficiency or excess of water, high and low temperature, and the strong pressure of diseases and pests, etc. Based on the results of previous studies, it can be concluded that foliar nutrition should be introduced into production as a standard treatment in the crop management of many species of agricultural plants. It can help farmers to increase the yield of crops. It is also important that it is safe for the environment, which is particularly important in Europe.