trends & technology
“ A 2014 study found that silicon protects plants against metal toxicity by decreasing metal availability in the plant and affecting metal distribution inside the plant .”
A 2014 study found that silicon protects plants against metal toxicity by decreasing metal availability in the plant and affecting metal distribution inside the plant . The same study also found that silicon mitigates the symptoms of iron deficiency in plants . Research at the University of California , Davis , has studied the effect of silicon in dwarf citrus , chrysanthemums , and roses . Their results showed smaller pest populations on the citrus and chrysanthemums . Similar research discovered that there was a decrease in leaf miner populations on citrus and chrysanthemums when potassium silicate was added to their water . Some plants benefit from this element more than others . For example , rice and sugar cane accumulate large amounts of silicon , whereas cucumbers accumulate a moderate amount and tomatoes accumulate very little . For silicon accumulators , it is absolutely beneficial to add silicon to your nutrient solution , especially if you ’ re growing hydroponically . There are plenty of silica products on the market . When choosing a liquid , opt for the highest concentration to stretch your dollar the farthest . You might also consider a biogenic silica powder . Although it isn ’ t 100 per cent water-soluble , about 25 to 30 per cent of the powder will dissolve for immediate use by the plant and the rest will stay in the root zone and release over time . Biogenic silica powder also makes for the perfect companion to beneficial bacteria because it ’ s pH neutral and won ’ t make your solution as basic as the liquid version will . The bacteria will hitch a ride on the silica particles and use them to attach to the plant ’ s roots once the silica particles lodge themselves within the root zone .
So , if you want to boost the overall health , vitality , and yield of your crop , I recommend using a silica supplement in your nutrient program , especially if you are growing hydroponically . It is one of the simplest things you can do for the greatest return come harvest time .
80 grow cycle