The Effect of Nitrogen and Silicon Treatments on Some Nutrient Concentrations in Wheat

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is accepted as an essential nutrient for plant growth and development, while silicon (Si) is classified as a beneficial element that can influence stress tolerance and nutrient uptake. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of N and Si treatments on the concentrations of some nutrients (phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn)) in wheat. To this end, a randomized block factorial experimental design was conducted with three replications. In the experiment, four different N doses (0, 50, 100, 150 mg kg⁻¹) and three different Si doses (0, 150, 300 mg kg⁻¹) were applied to the wheat. The results of the study showed that as N treatment doses increased, the concentrations of P, Ca, Mg, and Fe in wheat increased. With increasing silicon treatment doses, Mn and Cu increased to a statistically significant level, while Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn concentrations were highest in the control group. The results of this study determined that N treatments generally had a positive effect on wheat’s mineral nutrition. Conversely, it was found that while Si treatments increased the uptake of some micronutrients, they limited the uptake of others. Based on these results, it was concluded that the role of silicon, particularly in the regulation of micronutrients, requires further detailed investigation.