Sugarcane is a species that accumulates silicon (Si) and is capable of responding to Si applications, especially in soils lacking Si.. Metallurgy slag is an interesting source of Si for soils cultivated with this crop. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recovery of Si from metallurgy slag by sugarcane. The experiment was carried out at Uberlândia-MG, from August 15, 2007 to May 02, 2008. The experimental design was randomized in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement being two cultivate of sugarcane (SP81 - 3250 and RB86 - 7515) and four Silicon doses (0, 100, 200 and 400 kg ha-1) with four replications. The sugarcane was cultivated in plastic drums (200 L). The application of slag (silicates) increased the content of available silicon in soil and leaf of sugarcane. The amount of Si accumulated in the aerial part of sugarcane from the silicate applied ranged between 23 and 56% respectively for the variety RB86-7515 and SP81-3250. On average, 39% of Si absorbed by the shoot of the sugarcane came from the fertilizer applied (silicate).
silicate; soluble Si; silicon recovery; accumulated Si
