Silicon Ameliorates the Adverse Effects of Salinity on Turfgrass Growth and Development

An experiment was conducted to assess the effect of foliar application of potassium silicate on Cynodon dactylon L.] Pers., Festuca arundinacea Schreb. and Lolium perenne L. With increased salinity level, chlorophyll content and relative water content (RWC) in these three turfgrasses were reduced significantly when compared with the untreated control. Supplementary silicon (Si) ameliorated the adverse effects of salinity on chlorophyll content. Silicon treatments decreased proline at all salinity levels. Moreover, addition of Si increased shoot length and shoot number in all turfgrasses. Sodium (Na) concentration was increased in both leaves and roots of turfgrasses at high salinity level; however, Si treatment significantly reduced Na concentration in all of them. Silicon increased Potassium concentration in shoots and roots (though not significantly) in most cases. It can be concluded that Si alleviated the adverse effects of salt stress in all turfgrasses.