Does silicon and irrigation have impact on drought tolerance mechanism of sorghum?

► Increasing silicon concentration led to increased leaf water potential (Ψw (−MPa)) and leaf area index. ► The specific leaf weight, SPAD chlorophyll contents and the drymatter produced increased. ► The transpiration (E) rate increases to lessen the reduction of photosynthesis by water stress. ► The reduction in shoot to root ratio was greater due to silicon which led to increased root growth. ► Synergistic effect of silicon fertilization with ample irrigation improves the crop stand under stresses.