the effect of silicon on nutrient and nitrate content in lettuce

considering the positive effects of silicon on salinity resistance by some agricultural plants, an investigation was conducted with a completely randomized design of three replications. the main objective was to determine the effect of silicon on nutrient content and nitrate accumulation in lettuce. electrical conductivity was adjusted at 3 mmhos/cm through addition of nacl. silicon was added through addition of a silicate compound in the ratio of 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mm/lit. mean analysis showed that calcium and magnesium contents of lettuce were increased in 0.5 mm l-1 treatment while a higher amount of silicon decreased the amount of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus. increasing of si up to 2.0 mm l-1 increased the amounts of potassium, total nitrogen and nitrate in the plant, whereas the amount of na was decreased through this addition of silicon.