Abstract: Applying chemical amendments is an effective way to mitigate soil heavy metals pollution. To study the effects and action mechanisms of applying silicon on inhibiting the cadmium absorption by plants is of significance in developing the techniques of controlling soil heavy metals pollution through applying silicon fertilizer as amendment. In recent years, a great deal of studies about the management of soil heavy metals pollution by using silicon fertilizer sprang up. This paper summarized the research progress on the inhibitory effects and action mechanisms of exogenous silicon on plant cadmium absorption, distribution and transfor-mation, and the plant physiological and biochemical responses to cadmium stress induced by silicon. Some issues for further study were suggested.

Key words: Tropical rainforest, Ficus racemosa fruits, Insects community, Diversity