Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
Background and Aims: The use of phosphorus (P) fertilizers reduces the availability of silicon (Si) in soils, especially in crops such as rice and maize that have a high Si demand. This study conducted three experiments to examine P–Si interactions, Si's impact on P uptake, and the potential of Nano-Si and two types of Nano-Si (NanoLig-Si and NanoSel-Si) as alternative Si sources. Methods: Nano-Si materials were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), XRD, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR). Three experiments were conducted: (1) the effect of increasing P levels on Si concentration in barley and wheat; (2) the impact of Nano-Si and Na-Silicate on P and Si nutrition in maize; and (3) the influence of Nano-Si, NanoLig-Si, and NanoSel-Si on P and Si nutrition in rice under soil and hydroponic conditions. Results: Applied P reduced the Si concentration in barley from 5.53 to 2.18 g kg−1 and in subsequently grown wheat from 9.07 to 5.05 g kg−1. Both Si sources significantly increased P concentrations, whereas only Nano-Si treatment had a positive effect on the Si concentration of maize. In soil, Si treatments did not affect rice P concentrations. In hydroponics, P increased with Nano-Si and low composite doses, whereas Si increased with Na-silicate and high doses of NanoSel-Si and NanoLig-Si. Conclusions: These results reveal crop- and system-specific P–Si interactions. Although high P reduced Si uptake in barley and wheat, Si sources enhanced P uptake. Nano-Si materials were most effective in boosting P and Si uptake in soilless systems.