Effects of silicon fertilizer on lodging resistance traits and seed yield of Avena sativa in the alpine region of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

This study aimed to explore the effects of different levels of silicon fertilizer on lodging resistance traits and yield of oats (Avena sativa) in alpine region. Two cultivars of oat (‘Qingyin No. 2’ and ‘QYJ507’) were used as the study materials. Four fertilizing rate (0, 45, 90, and 135 kg·ha⁻¹) of silicon were applied in a split-plot experimental design to reveal the effects of silicon application on lodging resistance traits and seed yield of oats. The results showed that the root diameter, root volume, fresh and dry weight of roots, stem thickness, and stalk wall thickness of the second and third stem nodes of oats increased first and then decreased with the increase in silicon fertilizer application. The root length, root diameter, root volume, fresh and dry weight of root, stem diameter, and stem wall thickness were increased, the lengths of the second and third internodes at the base were shortened, and the mechanical properties of the stalk were enhanced in ‘Qingyin No. 2’ and ‘QYJ507’ under 45 and 90 kg·ha⁻¹ treatments, respectively. Under the same treatments, the highest seed yields of 2 323.08 and 2 038.43 kg·ha⁻¹ were obtained for ‘Qingyin No. 2’ and ‘QYJ507’, respectively. Therefore, the application of silicon fertilizer can improve the lodging resistance and seed yield of oats in the alpine region, but the silicon fertilizing rate should depend on the characteristics of different varieties.