Abstract Silicon is ranked second in the earth's crust and is widely known as a non-metallic material. Silicon is closely related to the growth of crops. In this paper, the research history of silicon was reviewed, and the properties of silicon, distribution characteristics and existing forms in soil were introduced. The research progress of silicon in improving crop stress resistance, such as drought resistance, lodging resistance, salt alkali resistance and high temperature resistance, was reviewed. The role and mechanism of silicon in coordinating and promoting the absorption of nutrients by crops, alleviating the toxic effects of heavy metal ions and resisting the invasion of pests and diseases were reviewed. The mechanism and conditions of silicon to regulate crop growth were analyzed, and the absorption and transport of silicon by crops were analyzed from a genetic perspective. The important role of silicon fertilizer and silicone surfactant in promoting the sustainable development of agriculture was discussed.