The economic potential of silicon for integrated management and sustainable rice production

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-7-2001

Abstract

The beneficial effects of silicon fertilization on rice culture has been described and quantified in numerous literature citations. They include yield increases, improved disease, insect, and fertility management, and other benefits. Despite the scientific evidence, widespread silicon use is hindered by the high cost of the material and its application. The beneficial effects of silicon application on world rice production have been translated to monetary values using a yield and cost-price structure in the Everglades Agricultural Area of southern Florida and later changed to reflect conditions in other countries. The analysis of yield increases in the three scenarios analyzed provide savings of $271.85, $135.91, and $50.22/ha/yr for the 1996 crop season, respectively. The analysis of the remaining benefits also shows additional savings of $73.54, $52.32, and $6.43/ha/yr in the 1996 crop season. Assuming only an additional increase of 0.5 metric tons/ha in rice yields during the 1996-2010 period, land use would be reduced by 22.2 million ha and still satisfy consumption requirements in 2010. Consequently, land would be liberated for the production of non-traditional, export-oriented crops. This would be an important accomplishment, since production increases in the past and forthcoming decades have, and will, come from yield increases because of lack of available land. The additional benefits from silicon application may outweigh its cost in most rice-producing countries. © 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Crop Protection

First Page

43

Last Page

48

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