Effect of Calcium Silicate Fertilizer on Soil Characteristics, Sugarcane Nutrients and Its Yield Parameters

[Objective] A green house experiment was conducted to elucidate the effect of calcium silicate fertilizer on soil characteristics, growth and nutrition and yield parameters of sugarcane. [Method] A soil pot experiment was conducted using sugarcane variety ROC22.The treatments included: normal fertilization (26 g N+1.76 g P+20 g K/pot: T0) and normal fertilization+different concentration of calcium silicate (20, 40, 60, 80, 120 and 150 g/pot in T1-T6, respectively). [Result] The results showed that application of calcium silicate affected the content of N, P, Ca, Mg and Si in TVD leaf tissues. Use of 120 g/pot calcium silicate resulted in 92% increase in Si content compared to control. It significantly influenced the physicochemical properties of soil. Soil organic matter and available P content decreased significantly, the available S increased by 137% in soils treated with 120 g/pot calcium silicate fertilizer. The exchangeable Ca and Mg increased by 117.9 and 86.0%, respectively at 150 g/pot Si. The pH of soil was found to be higher than control. Si significantly affected the sugarcane plant height and cane yield, and showed almost increasing trend of dry matter and sugar yield with increasing of its concentration. [Conclusion] The positive effects of calcium silicate fertilizer have been observed on general sugarcane growth and development and soil's physicochemical properties. Its supplementation in normal fertilizer may be recommended for sustaining the sugarcane productivity.