Utilization of Rice Husk Ash as an Effective Alternate Source of Silicon for Maize in the Ganges-Meghna Mega Delta Coastal Ecosystem

Rice husk is a commonly used biofuel in the rural community, after burning in the traditional earthen stove for cooking food the rice husk ash is produced, which generally thrown to the ditches that ultimately polluting the homestead environment of the farm family, but it may have much opportunity to utilize as an easy accessible source of silicon (Si) for crop production. The experiment was undertaken to test the usability of rice husk ash as a source of Si in maize crops on the Ganges-Meghna mega delta coastal ecosystem. The rice husk ash (21.9-27% Si) at 0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0 t ha−1 was tested in maize crop during dry season of 2021, 2022 and 2023 with each treatment replicated thrice. All the plots were supplied with recommended dose of other nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Increasing the rate of rice husk ash increased grain yield up to 2.5 t ha−1 rate which was 17-19% higher than the control treatment in 2021– 2023. The added rate of rice husk ash progressively increased the Si content and uptake up to 2.5 t rice husk ash ha−1. Rice husk ash was recommended as an effective easily accessible source of Si, and 2.5 t ha−1 rice husk ash was sufficient to supply the Si requirement of field maize in Ganges-Meghna mega delta coastal ecosystem.