Despite the high SiO2 total content often found in Brazilian soils, the soluble silicon content in soil solution can be low due to weathering that occur in soils. The application of calcium silicate slags, under these conditions, has demonstrated positive effects in relation to correction of soil acidity, the supply of Si to plants that accumulate this element and significant yield increase. The objectives of this investigation were to evaluate in two consecutive years, soil acidity correction, grain yield and Si uptake in upland rice. Six doses of calcium silicate slag with 20% of total SiO2 (0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 t ha-1) in form of calcium silicate slag, a subproduct of phosphorus processed in electric furnace was applied to oxisoil. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with five repetitions. Application of calcium silicate slag resulted in significant grain yield increase, tissue silicon content and silicon accumulation in straw and the filled grain percentage in the first and in the second year of rice cultivation. The critical Si level in the rice straw required for obtaining satisfactory yield was 2,25 g kg-1 of dry matter. In soil, the application of calcium silicate slag reduced soil acidity and increased available P, Si, exchangeable Ca, and saturation of bases. There was significant correlation between soluble Si extracted in acetic acid extraction 0.5 mol L-1 and water, in relation to soluble Si content found in soil after rice cultivation.
Oryza sativa L.; Savanna soils; extractants; silicon; soil amendment