Effect of Sulphur and Silicon on growth and yield of Rice

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the staple food crop for more than half of the world¿s population and its cultivation secures livelihood for more than two billion people. Rice is said to be on the fore front in the fight against the world¿s hunger and poverty. India occupies a prime position in rice production among the food crops cultivated in the world. It is the major staple food crop of India and occupies the largest cropped area of 43.39 m ha with an annual production of 104.32 million tonnes with a productivity of 2404 kg/ha. Sulphur is one of the essential elements required for the normal growth of plants and it plays an important role as a constituent of many plant processes as plant metabolism depends on S and a deficiency of this nutrient will cause basic metabolic impairment, which will not only reduce crop yield but also the quality of produce.Silicon (Si) is not an essential element but, it is known for its beneficial effect on cereals particularly in rice as it is a high siliciferous plant. It helps in plant growth and is agronomically essential for improving and sustaining rice productivity.