Different Concentrations of Potassium Silicate in Nutrient Solution Affects Selected Growth Characteristics and Mineral Composition of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

This study was undertaken to determine the effect of potassium silicate (K2SiO3) on the physiological and growth characteristics and elemental composition of barley plants. Hydroponically grown barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) var. Wilma was exposed to four different levels of Si in the form of K2SiO3 at concentrations of 0 (Si-0), 0.5 (Si-0.5), 1 (Si-1) or 1.5 (Si-1.5) mM Si. Plants were analyzed for root length, number of dry leaves, number of trichomes, electron transport system activity in mitochondria (ETS), leaf pigment content and elemental composition of roots and leaves. Treatment with Si-0.5 significantly increased the concentration of total chlorophylls, root length and ETS activity in barley. Plants with no Si added to the nutrient solution had significantly more dry leaves than plants from all Si-treated groups. Necrosis was observed in Si-0 plants, while leaf damage was not visible in treated plants. According to the results of the study, we evidenced that plants were stressed due to Si deficiency. The addition of K2SiO3 significantly affected the concentration of Si, K, Ca, Cl, S, Mn, Fe and Zn in roots and leaves of barley. In barley treated with Si-0.5, plants showed the best performance in terms of their physiological characteristics and growth.