SILICON SOURCE FROM CALCIUM SLILICATE OF STEEL MAKING SLAG APPLICATION RATE ON GROWTH AND YIELD QUALITY IN SUGARCANE

Calcium silicate is widely recognized as an important silicon source for crop production however, its agronomic benefits remain controversial, particularly under tropical conditions in Thailand. This study evaluated the effects of calcium silicate on growth, yield, and yield quality of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) cultivar Khon Kaen 3 grown in Kamphaeng Saen soil. Two experiments were conducted. The first experiment assessed the effects of calcium silicate soaking on bud germination and early growth of sugarcane setts using a completely randomized design with four soaking concentrations (0, 100, 200, and 400 g L⁻¹) and ten replications. The results demonstrated that soaking in calcium silicate at 400 g L⁻¹ significantly accelerated bud germination and enhanced early plant growth. The second experiment was a field trial arranged in a randomized complete block design with four fertilization rates (0, 125, 250, and 500 kg ha⁻¹) and four replications to examine the effects of calcium silicate fertilization on plant growth, yield, and yield quality. Although calcium silicate fertilization showed no statistically significant effects on vegetative growth, the highest yield and stalk number were obtained at 500 kg ha⁻¹. In contrast, the optimal yield quality, expressed as commercial cane sugar percentage, was achieved at 250 kg ha⁻¹. These findings suggest that calcium silicate management can improve sugarcane productivity and quality, with application rate influencing yield and sugar accumulation differently.