Effect of Silicon on Growth, Biochemical Constituents, and Mineral Nutrition of Cowpea

Abstract

The effect of different concentrations (50, 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg kg⁻¹) of silicon (Si) added to the soil was studied on growth performance, biochemical constituents, and nutritional status of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]. Lower applications of Si resulted in an enhancement in relative yield, leaf area, chlorophyll, and iron (Fe) contents and a reduction in proline contents. A significant (P  =  0.01) direct relationship between relative yield and lower applied Si concentrations was observed. A significant dependence of tissue Si concentration on soil Si concentration was observed. The results indicate a beneficial effect of Si on cowpea plants.

Keywords:

• Chlorophyll
• cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.)
• iron
• proline
• relative yield
• silicon