The potential of sodium carbonate and Tiron extractions for the determination of silicon contents in plant samples—A method comparison using hydrofluoric acid digestion as reference

For the determination of silicon (Si) contents in plant materials several methods are use, but as all these exhibit specific advantages and drawbacks, none them has become prevalent. Alkaline chemicals widely used to extract Si from samples, because this method is comparably simple, fast, cheap. However, a comprehensive comparison between different alkaline extractions organs still missing, well understanding relationship content quantified with those soil availability. In our study we performed two (sodium carbonate (Na 2 CO 3 ) Tiron) determine husk straw samples winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum ). Results obtained hydrofluoric (HF) acid digestion were reference assumed completely dissolve material. We evaluated efficacy single-step Na Tiron relation complex, multistep HF analyzed relationships phytolith available concentrations corresponding samples. Irrespective material (husk or straw) found be more efficient extraction compared . While systematically underestimated tested materials, results comparable digestions, at least for Phytolith strongly positively correlated extractions, especially Plant was also reflected best contents. Based on recommend use provided reliable extraction.