Summary
This controlled pot experiment evaluated how irrigation water quality (varying seawater:tap water ratios) and silicon supplementation (0–2 mM) influenced photosynthetic pigment accumulation in tomato plants. Increasing tap water ratios and silicon doses significantly enhanced leaf chlorophyll content, whilst elevated leaf sodium and chlorine contents reduced pigmentation; effects on carotenoids varied by water type, with 0.5 mM silicon in tap water showing notable benefit.
Regional applicability
The findings may be relevant to United Kingdom glasshouse horticulture, particularly under irrigation with recycled or saline water sources. However, transferability requires validation under UK growing conditions, temperatures and light regimes, and against UK-permitted silicon fertiliser products and application rates.
Key measures
Leaf chlorophyll-a, chlorophyll-b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents; SPAD meter readings; leaf sodium, chlorine, magnesium, active iron, potassium and calcium contents
Outcomes reported
The study measured leaf SPAD meter readings, chlorophyll (a, b, and total) and carotenoid contents in tomato plants exposed to different irrigation water salinities and silicon doses. Silicon supplementation and reduced seawater irrigation increased photosynthetic pigment concentrations, with effects modulated by leaf mineral composition.
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