DIATOMITE AS A SILICON FERTILISER AND THE ROLE OF SILICON IN MODERN AGRICULTURE

Abstract

Silicon (Si) can enhance crop resilience, but agronomic responses depend on chemical form and availability. This review evaluates diatomite as a slow-release Si source and porous mineral amendment, integrating the soil–plant Si cycle, H₄SiO₄ uptake, stress
responses, foliar formulations and experimental evidence. Diatomite may gradually supply Si, improve the root-zone environment and serve as a carrier for other inputs; effectiveness varies with mineralogy, particle size, soil properties, plant species and stress conditions. Standardised methods for plant-available Si, explicit separation of nutritional and physical effects, and direct validation in horticultural crops are required.