Taste Evaluation of Rice Grown in Soil Treated with Commercial Silica and Recycled Rice Husk Silica

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the taste of rice grown in soil treated with rice husk silica in order to elucidate the potential use of rice husk silica as a fertilizer in terms of taste of rice. Study Design: Rice plants were grown in soil treated with rice husk silica and officially approved, commercial silica fertilizer. The taste of the rice plants was compared based on their quality evaluation value (QEV). Location and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the city of Imizu where the Toyama Prefectural University is located. The period of study was from March 2015 to April 2016. Methodology: Paddy fields were divided based on the type and amount of silica applied. The rice plants were grown under different conditions. The growth of rice plants and silica sorption by rice plants were analyzed to obtain data on the physical state of the rice plants. Taste of rice was evaluated by the QEV based on four parameters, contents of protein, water, amylose, and fatty acid. Results: It was observed that the taste of rice grown in soil treated with rice husk silica was not different from that of the rice grown in soil treated with commercial silica fertilizer. Conclusions: Rice husk silica can be used as a silica fertilizer in terms of taste of rice.