The effect of cadmium (Cd) and silicon (Si) treatments on some feed quality characteristics of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.)

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of silicon (Si) treatment on the feed quality characteristics of sorghum plants under cadmium (Cd) stress. Materials and Methods: The experiment was set up in randomized plots using a factorial experimental design (0, 100, 200, and 300 mg kg-1 Si and 0, 10, and 20 mg kg-1 Cd). Plants were harvested after 90 days and P, K, Ca and Mg contents ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber), NDF (Neutral Detergent Fiber), CP (crude protein) and CA (crude ash) ratios (%) were examined in stems, leaves and panicles.Results: In general, Si application under Cd10,20 increased the P and CA ratios in the stems and leaves but did not statistically affect the panicles, reduced the K in the stems, increased it in the leaves and panicles, and reduced the Ca and Mg in the stems, leaves, and panicles. The ADF ratio increased in the stems and leaves but decreased in the panicles, the NDF ratio showed an increase-decrease, and the CP ratio decreased in the stem and leaves but did not show a statistically significant change in the panicles.Conclusion: The characteristics examined varied according to the dose of treatment and the organs of the plant. In order to better understand the effect of Cd*Si treatment on the feed quality characteristics of sorghum, it is recommended that more comprehensive studies be conducted on different silage and grain sorghum varieties.