Silicon-mediated accumulation of oil and antioxidant in Soybean

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of silica application on the protein, oil, fatty acid, phenol and isoflavone content in soybean seeds that experience water deficiency stress. This study used a factorial completely randomized design. The first factor was the watering interval (3, 6 and 9 day intervals). The second factor was the dosage of silica application (0; 31.25 and 62.50 SiO2/polybag or equivalent doses of 0, 125 and 250 kg SiO2/ha). This study concluded that the higher and longer duration of drought stress was reflected in the longer watering interval caused a decreased the number of filled pods, number and yield of seeds, and oil content, but increased content of protein, total of phenolic and isoflavan of soybean seeds. Application of silica under drought stress conditions reduced the reduction in the number of filled pods, seed quantity and yield, and oil content compared to without silica application. The content of oil, total of phenolic and isoflavones of soybean seeds can be inducted through the application of silica. The application of silica improves the quality of soybeans as a functional food.