Silicon is a very important plant nutrient element. The content of available silicon in soil affects the
photosynthesis, respiration and stress resistance of plants. Silicate and ammonium molybdate can form
silicomolybdic acid under weak acid conditions, which can be reduced to silicomolybdic blue by reducing
agent. There is a characteristic absorption peak at 700 nm. The available silicon content in soil can be
calculated by detecting the wavelength change at 700 nm.
Reagents and Equipment Required but Not Provided:
Spectrophotometer/Microplate Reader, Oven, Vortex Oscillator, Balance, Desktop Centrifuge, Water
Bath, 1 mL Glass Cuvette, Transferpettor, Mortar, 30-50 Mesh Sieve and Distilled Water.