Numerous studies have shown the beneficial effect of silicon on the increased production of several crops, such as sugar cane, rice and potato. However, there is little information about the nutritional benefits of silicon to the maize crop. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of doses and timing of leaf application of silicon on the agronomic characteristics and grain yield of corn grown in the agricultural year 2007/2008. The experimental design was randomized blocks in factorial scheme (4 x 3) + 1, with four replications involving doses of silicon (130, 260, 390 and 520 g ha-1) by foliar application, time of application (2, 5 and 8 expanded leaves) and a control (without silicon application). The studied variables included: plant height, height of first ear, stem diameter, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf silicon content, number of grains per ear, weight of 100 grains and grain yield. Silicon supplemented via foliar application influenced only the variable leaf silicon content.
Doses; time of application and nutrient leaf content
