Title: EFFECT OF DIFFERENT RESOURCES AND METHODS OF SILICON AND ZINC APPLICATION ON AGRONOMIC TRAITS, NUTRIENT UPTAKE AND GRAIN YIELD OF RICE (ORYZA SATIVA L.)
Abstract: To evaluate the effect of different resources and methods of silicon (Si) and zinc (Zn) application on agronomic traits, nutrient uptake and grain yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.), a field experiment was conducted as a randomized complete block design with 16 treatments and three replications in Noor region, Mazandaran province, Iran in the crop year of 2015-2016.The experimental treatments included the different resources and forms of Si and Zn application as nanoparticles (NPs) foliar application and soil application of the elements.The results indicated that grain and straw yields were increased in response to application of Si and Zn fertilizers.All fertilized treatments had significantly higher yields than the control, although yields did not differ significantly between the fertilized treatments.The experimental treatments significantly affected the yield components, Si, Zn and N concentrations in the plant tissue.The combined application of Si and Zn by both methods, either via NPs foliar application or soil application resulted in an increase in the grain and straw yields, yield components and Si, Zn and N concentrations in rice grain and straw.According to the results of this research, the combined application of Si plus Zn, especially by NPs foliar application, is appropriate for increasing the production of the rice crop in Noor Region of Iran.