Synergistic Effect of Silica and NPK Fertilizer on Nutrient Status, Chlorophyll Content, and Rice Yield (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice productivity must be increased to meet the high food needs. One of them is by fulfilling nutrients through fertilization. This study aims to evaluate the use of Silica fertilizer on the effectiveness of NPK fertilizer on nutrient status, chlorophyll content, and rice yield. The experimental method with a Complete Randomized Block Design consisting of 9 treatments, namely A = control, B = recommended NPK, C = ¼ NPK + 2.6 kg ha-1 SiO2, D = ½ NPK + 2.6 kg ha-1 SiO2, E = ¾ NPK + 2.6 kg ha-1 SiO2, F = 1 NPK + 2.6 kg ha-1 SiO2, G = ¾ NPK + 0.65 kg ha-1 SiO2, H = ¾ NPK + 1.3 kg ha-1 SiO2, I = ¾ NPK + 1.95 kg ha-1 SiO2. The fertilizers used were Urea, SP-36, KCl, and liquid K2SiO3. The study results showed that adding silica fertilizer could improve the effectiveness of NPK fertilizer in rice cultivation. The use of various doses of Si (¼ to 1 dose) and ¾ dose of NPK can increase the effectiveness of NPK fertilizer use, thereby reducing its use. The dose has also been proven to support producing better nutrient status values, chlorophyll levels content and rice yields than recommended NPK.