Efecto nutricional del silicio en la producción del cultivo de banano (Musa paradisiaca) en el Ecuador

Silicon has been proven to be an essential element for higher plants as its effects benefit a wide range of crops including rice, sugar cane, wheat, barley, cucurbits and recently banana. Silicon-based fertilizers are applied to crops in different countries to increase agricultural production and sustainability. This work was developed as non-experimental bibliographic research, through the use of synthesis, analysis and summary of the information that was obtained. Based on what was stated above, it is submitted that the banana crop does not present signs of specific silicon deficiency and perhaps for this reason the reason why silicon has been a non-significant element could be justified; It is important to highlight that a few years ago it was not recognized as a fertilizer and today it is known that it has a crucial role in plant nutrition, without forgetting that it is also effective in certain aspects of the health of banana plants. Silicon contributes to strengthening the plant to combat difficulties such as drought and the invasion of fungi, bacteria and insects, and also allows the fixation and assimilation of nitrogen and phosphorus, which results in increased production of the banana crop. Foliar soluble silicon applications are carried out using potassium silicate (K2SiO3); The doses recommended by various investigations are between 40 and 59 mg/L of Si; It is crucial to take this detail into account so as not to restrict the absorption of other macronutrients or reduce the productivity of the banana crop.

Silicon has been proven to be an essential element for higher plants as its effects benefit a wide range of crops including rice, sugar cane, wheat, barley, cucurbits and recently banana. Silicon-based fertilizers are applied to crops in different countries to increase agricultural production and sustainability. This work was developed as non-experimental bibliographic research, through the use of synthesis, analysis and summary of the information that was obtained. Based on what was stated above, it is submitted that the banana crop does not present signs of specific silicon deficiency and perhaps for this reason the reason why silicon has been a non-significant element could be justified; It is important to highlight that a few years ago it was not recognized as a fertilizer and today it is known that it has a crucial role in plant nutrition, without forgetting that it is also effective in certain aspects of the health of banana plants. Silicon contributes to strengthening the plant to combat difficulties such as drought and the invasion of fungi, bacteria and insects, and also allows the fixation and assimilation of nitrogen and phosphorus, which results in increased production of the banana crop. Foliar soluble silicon applications are carried out using potassium silicate (K2SiO3); The doses recommended by various investigations are between 40 and 59 mg/L of Si; It is crucial to take this detail into account so as not to restrict the absorption of other macronutrients or reduce the productivity of the banana crop.

El Silicio ha sido probado, aunque con poca frecuencia, como un elemento nutritivo para las plantas superiores. Los estudios informan sobre los beneficios para una amplia gama de cultivos que incluyen arroz, maíz, caña de azúcar, trigo, cebada, cucurbitáceas y recientemente banano. La presente investigación se orientó a indagar mucho más sobre este elemento químico planteándose como tema su incidencia en la producción del cultivo de banano. Al efecto, el principal objetivo es la descripción del valor nutricional del silicio en la producción del cultivo de banano en el Ecuador; y para ello, se ha desarrollado un tipo de investigación no experimental de carácter bibliográfico, utilizando la técnica de síntesis, análisis, y resumen de la información obtenida. Así, se ha encontrado que los fertilizantes que contienen silicio son aplicados a cultivos en diferentes países principalmente para incrementar la producción. Los resultados del presente trabajo determinan que el cultivo de banano no evidencia mayormente signos de carencia específicos por ausencia del elemento silicio y tal vez por ello podría justificarse la razón por la que el silicio se lo considera un elemento nutritivo no significativo. Es por ello que desde hace años atrás no se le reconocía como fertilizante; sin embargo hoy sì se lo reconoce como un elemento complementario para una nutrición equilibrada de las plantas de banano; además de ser eficaz en ciertos aspectos de la sanidad de las plantas y condiciones del ambiente. Esta investigación nos informa que el silicio contribuye a fortalecer la fisiología de las plantas como por ejemplo mitigar los efectos de la sequía, la afección por hongos, bacterias e insectos, además permite la fijación y asimilación de nitrógeno y fósforo, lo que resulta en incrementos de producción del cultivo. Las aplicaciones de silicio soluble por vía foliar se llevan a cabo utilizando silicato de potasio (K2SiO3); las dosis recomendadas según diversas investigaciones se sitúan entre 40 y 59 mg/L de silicio; es crucial tener en cuenta este detalle para no restringir la absorción de otros macronutrientes o reducir la productividad del cultivo de banano.