Pre-treatment extraction of silica and other nutrients from seagrass (Cymodecea serrulata)

Silicon has been found to improve plant resistance to stresses such as pests, diseases, lodging and drought. Thus, methods of utilizing plant materials as a source of silicon in the form of silica (SiO2) is now being studied worldwide. This study was conducted to determine seagrass potential as a source of silica and other nutrients for plant uptake and identify the most effective silica extraction technique. The four treatments arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replications include yeast fermentation (control), enzyme, acid, and enzyme and acid pre-treatments combined. After the fermentation process all extracts from the different treatments were subjected to nutrient analysis which includes the determination of total macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium), total micronutrients (copper, zinc, manganese and iron) and availability of silica. Significant differences between the treatments were observed in total K and silica content. Highest total K (1.77%) was noted in control treatment, however, it was comparable with the combined enzyme and acid pre-treatment (1.71%). Silica content in acid pre-treatment (103.7mg L-1) was significantly highest among the treatments, followed by enzyme pre-treatment (82.3mg L-1). In terms of silica extraction, acid pre-treatment is shown to be the most efficient; however, further study on the efficiency of the extracts in the form of liquid fertilizer on field crops should be conducted.