Abstract

Abstract: In spite of the fact that silicon is not necessary for growth of most plants, recent studies have shown that this element play an important role in the resistance of plants to environmental stresses such as salinity. In order to evaluate the effect of silicon on salt tolerance of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis .L), a factorial experiment in a completely randomized design with 4 replications was conducted in a greenhouse condition hydroponically. The first factor consisted of three levels of sodium silicate (0, 0.75 and 1.5 mM) and the second factor consisted of three levels of sodium chloride (0, 40, 80 mM). The results showed that the use of silicon had no significant effect on leaves potassium content however reduced sodium content increased potassium to sodium ratio in high salinity levels. Further, silicon application improved turf quality. Keywords: Potassium, Sodium, Turf quality