Development of an Improved Silicon Application Protocol for Organic Sweet Corn Cultivation Ensuring Higher Productivity and Better Soil Health

Purpose Nutrient management beyond applying composts in the organic farming systems (OFS) needs to be explored. Silicon (Si) application in OFS might be a good nutrient management option since Si can improve nutrient use efficiency, reducing different biotic and abiotic stresses. Methods A field investigation was done in 2019 and 2020 to assess the efficiency of Si application in combination with FYM under OFS for sweet corn. The study was conducted in a split-plot design with 4 varied FYM applications viz., M1- Control (no nitrogen), M2, M3, and M4 – 100%, 75%, and 50% recommended doses of N (RDN) through FYM, respectively; and four silicon doses viz., S1- Control (no silicon), S2, S3, and S4 – 100, 150, and 200 kg ha –1 of Si. Results The application of 100% RDN through FYM resulted in about 15% more green cob yield than the application of 75% RDN through FYM. This treatment also showed better soil health in terms of soil chemical and biological properties. Concerning Si application under OFS, it was observed that the application of 200 kg ha –1 of Si resulted in the maximum yield of sweet corn and provided the best soil health. It was also found that the application of Si resulted in ~ 12–39% higher yield of the crop as compared to no application of Si. Conclusion 200 kg ha –1 Si + 100% RDN through FYM is the most suitable Si application protocol for organic sweet corn cultivation ensuring the best soil health and productivity.