Applying Silicon Fertilizer to Plants

     The seventh most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, silicon (Si) is found in a wide range of materials and has many beneficial properties.Silicon fertilizer Silicon is used in dynamite, engine blocks, machine tools and as a crucial component in microelectronics and computer chips. Silicon is also important for plant growth and is a critical part of the soil’s organic matter. However, unlike macronutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, silica is not generally considered an essential plant nutrient.

     Research shows that plants benefit from the addition of a silicon-rich fertilizer, especially in tropical regions and dry climates.Silicon fertilizer The results from supplemental silicon application include disease suppression, increased crop strength and resilience to stress, and improved yield.

     While there is a great deal of interest in utilizing Si in cropping systems, there is little understanding about how to best apply it for maximum effect.Silicon fertilizer A key factor is that plants can only take  up Si in the form of silicic acid, which is soluble and readily passes through plant cell membranes. This molecule is produced by bacteria in the soil and can be increased with proper management practices, such as applying adequate amounts of organic matter to soils or using a well-timed application of acidifying fertilizer.

     There are several forms of Si available for use as a fertilizer, but they vary in their concentrations, solubility and other chemical elements.silicon fertilizer Silicates can be sold as solids or liquids and may contain additional minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and sodium. They can be applied in soils or mixed into nutrient solutions for foliar spray applications.

     Traditionally, Si has been added to soils as a source of plant-available silicic acid.silicon fertilizer Soil pH influences silicic acid availability as does temperature, organic matter and redox potential. Soil calcification and lime applications increase soil pH, which increases Si availability, while high levels of organic matter and salinity decrease it.

     The most common sources of plant-available Si in the US are mill slag byproducts, wollastonite and other minerals. These are usually ground into a powder and blended with water or other fertilizers for application in soils, in potting mixes or as a foliar spray. Foliar Si applications should not be used on crops that are prone to damage from unintended inhalation of fine particles.

     Although there are some indications that a soluble form of Si might be useful as a foliar spray, further study is needed. In general, foliar Si products do not offer the same benefits as those that are mixed into the growing media or added to the nutrient solution. These products often contain higher concentrations of Si that do not provide the plant with a readily available form of silicic acid. They instead remain as SiO2, which the plant cannot absorb.

Tags:seaweed fertilizer | suspension fertilizer