Beneficial Role of Silicon in Plant Nutrition Under Salinity Conditions

Abstract

One of the most detrimental stresses limiting agricultural productivity worldwide is salinity. This condition may cause ion toxicity and osmotic stress in plants. Several authors suggested various potential mechanisms by which silicon (Si) can stimulate plant tolerance against salt stress. Here we reviewed the impact of Si application on improving plant nutrition as an important mechanism to protect plants and to predict their productivity under salt stress. Different Si application methods proved to have positive effects on plant nutrition under salinity conditions. In this chapter, for future perspectives, it will also be valuable to investigate how Si regulates nutrient uptake in salt-stressed plants, as these mechanisms are poorly understood at the molecular and genetic levels. More genetic experiments are fundamental to regulate the expression level of genes related to uptake, transport, deposition, and translocation of mineral nutrients and Si in different plant species.