Synergistic effects of foliar nano-silica and planting systems on the growth and yield of rice (Oryza sativa L.) cv. Inpari-32

Abstract

Optimising nutrient management and planting systems is essential for enhancing rice productivity and reducing the gap between rice (Oryza sativa L.) production and consumption in Indonesia. A factorial field experiment based on a randomised complete block design (RCBD) evaluated four nano-silica concentrations (N) (0; 2.5; 5.0 and 10 mL L-1) under three planting systems: conventional planting systems (P), system of rice intensification (SRI) and Jajar Legowo 3:1. All collected data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) to assess the effects of treatments and their interactions. Where significant differences were detected (p < 0.05). Treatment means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range test (DMRT) at the 5 % significance level. Application of 5 mL L-1 nano-silica significantly enhanced plant height, tiller production, productive tillers, grain weight and grain yield. The SRI system proved superior for tiller count (19.41), grain weight (232.75 g) and grain yield per hectare (2327.50 kg ha-1). Notably, a significant interaction was observed for average leaf count (51.88) and grain weight (258 g m-2) where the combination of 2.5 mL L-1 nano-silica and SRI system, the highest 1000-grain weight (26.21 g) occurred with 5 mL L-1 nano-silica + Jajar Legowo 3:1.  The findings suggest that SRI is more effective for maximising grain yield, whereas the combination of Jajar Legowo 3:1 and nano-silica enhanced grain quality traits such as 1000-grain weight, providing alternative management strategies for different production objectives.