Silicon continues to be an anomaly, an under appreciated element, despite decades of research by many scientists. Most plant scientists still view it as not being essential for plant function. Nevertheless, in certain plant species, silicon is absorbed as Si(OH)₄ from soil in large amounts that are higher than that of "essential macronutrients". For example, the uptake of silicon is about twice that of nitrogen in rice. Although not considered essential for plant growth and development, silicon can benefit plant growth through greater yields (cucumber, rice and sugarcane). Silicon also can be very useful, especially when these plants are under abiotic or biotic stress. Silicon may enhance soil fertility, improve disease and pest resistance, increase photosynthesis, improve plant architecture, regulate evapotranspiration, increase tolerance to toxic elements such as Fe and Mn, and reduce frost damage.

	Researchers in the past twenty-five years worldwide are finding the benefits of silicon to plants health and soil fertility. Many university studies and papers have been documented concerning the role silicon has in agriculture. However, it was a famous German chemistry professor named Justus Liebig, who in the 1800's identified the element silicon to have a significant role as a plant nutrient.
Professor Justus Liebig

	When it comes to plant nutrition, silicon is finally getting the respect it deserves, thanks to a group of University of Florida scientists whose breakthrough research has demonstrated the importance of this element in world agriculture.       "Until now, this element has always befuddled people because plant nutrionists have never considered it essential, "said Lawrence Datnoff, professor of plant pathology with the UF's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. (UF/IFAS).       He said new findings by a group of scientists at the Everglades Research and Education Center (EREC) in Belle Glade showed this element can boost crop yields, reduce the need for expensive fungicides and improved plant resistance to some diseases. Datnoff said silicon has been used successfully in Florida on rice and sugarcane for many years and has been reported to improve production on other crops, ranging from citrus and strawberries to tomatoes and cucurbits.      "For me, as a plant pathologist, to see what silicon does for diseases is just phenomenal," he said. "It doesn't just control one disease, it controls several diseases. You can better manage your fungicide application, reduce the number of applications, or maybe eliminate them all together."
Lawrence Datnoff, Professor of Plant Pathology, Everglades Research and Education Center, Belle Glade, FL

	Recent information on silicon has been well documented in a published book from Elsevier Publishing co-edited by University of Florida Scientists Dr. Lawrence E. Datnoff and Dr. George Snyder. This excellent text provides valuable data reguarding silicon in crops all over the world. Click on book for more information on the book and ordering.