Effects of silicon fertilizer on seed germination and growth of Kentucky bluegrass

In order to understand the response of turfgrass seedlings to silicon fertilizer (Si) and improve turfgrass germination for turf management, the effects of different concentrations of K2SiO3 on seedling growth of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis cv. ‘Midnight’) was investigated under well watered conditions. Four Si amendment treatments (1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 mmol·L-1) and one control treatment (no Si) were conducted in the growth chamber. Silicon fertilizer significantly improved(P＜0.05) seed germination rate, germination energy and germination index. The length and fresh weight of seedlings significantly increased after 35 d treatment which increased with the increasing concentration of silicon fertilizer. The root length, total surface areas of roots and average root diameter increased although only the indices with 2.5 mmol·L-1 Si treatment were significantly higher (P0.05) than the control. These improvement suggested that the appropriate amount of silicon fertilizer was benefit for seed germination and growth of Kentucky bluegrass.