Silica and cannabis
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Jack Harer
Well-Known Member
I DID forget to mention the dilution part. My bad......
PureGro1
Contributor
Posted 18 September 2012 - 08:54 AM
Silica is a compound of Silicon & Oxygen with the formula of SiO2. As an additive for Marijuana Plants, it has numerous benefits. Think of it similar to a super vitamin for humans.
What Does Silica Do For My Marijuana Plant?
Some of Silica's great benefits are:
Easy! Several different nutrient companies have a Silica product out. Some of those products are:
The mixture ratios for the products mentioned above are listed below. If you use another product not listed below, please follow the instructions on the label.
Most of the products listed above suggest slightly different application times. However after a lot of research we have determined it is best to use Silica during the entire plants life. A smart idea would be to use 25% strength when they are seedlings and slowly increase the amount to full strength once they are in full bloom.
The latest research proves that plants benefit in many important ways from supplemental soluble silicon. These benefits include greater tolerance of environmental stresses, such as cold, heat, drought, salinity, mineral toxicity or deficiency, improved growth rates and resistance to insects and fungi. Soluble silicon promotes natural fungal defense mechanisms in plants, significantly reducing and, in many cases eliminating entirely, the need to use fungicides. Silicon deposited in epidermal cell walls makes plants resistant to small sucking insects. The resulting increased mechanical strength in epidermal cell walls enhances leaf presentation and stem strength. Soluble silicon enhances metabolic functions and improves pollen fertility, fruit and flower count.
Silicon Increases Resistance to Pathogens
Silicon deposition in the epidermal cells of plants act as a barrier against penetration of invading fungi such as powdery mildew and Pythium. Following a fungal infection, greater deposits of silicon are found around the affected plant tissue showing that silicon is selectively accumulated at the site. Silicon is also deposited in the cell walls of roots where it acts as a barrier against invasion of the stele by parasites and pathogens. Tests conducted on cucumbers, melons and tomatoes determined that soluble silicon must be available to the plant during the period of infection by fungal spores. The silicon is deposited at the sites of infection to form stronger, harder cell walls to deter the fungus. Silicon also stimulates the production of polyphenolic compounds which form part of a plant's natural defenses against fungal infection and insect attack. Silicon is rapidly bound in leaf tissue and will be deposited in a non-translocatable form within 24 hours. Therefore a continuous source of soluble silicon is very important to combat pathogens. This can be from constant feeding in hydroponics or from retention in the growing medium with soils or soilless mixes.
In some plants, foliar applications appear to lead to even lower rates of disease probably because deposits of silicon compounds on the leaf surface promote physical barriers to the infection process. Foliar sprays of soluble silicon have also been shown to be effective for control of aphids and other sucking insects on many plants. Epidermal cell walls containing silicon deposits act as a mechanical barrier to the styles and mandibles of sucking and biting insects In addition to the silicate deposits in the leaves, the intracellular content of silicic acid also acts as an effective sap sucking inhibitor for many insects.
Silicon Increases Metabolic Rates and Stress Resistance
Research shows that silicon benefits plants in the following ways: improved resistance to wilt, resistance to water stress (heat and drought), enhanced leaf presentation resulting in improved light interception, enhanced reproductive growth, and increased tolerance of excessive phosphorus, manganese, sodium and aluminum concentrations, zinc deficiencies and cold temperatures. Silicon, deposited in the cell walls, forms a protective layer reducing transpiration through the outer cells. Silicon deposits in the cell walls of xylem vessels prevent compression of the vessels under conditions of high transpiration caused by drought or heat stress. Temperatures much above 90°F cause plants to virtually cease their metabolic functions because water is lost through transpiration faster than it can be replaced via the plant's root system. This results in harmful increases in intracellular mineral concentrations that inhibit plant functions. Increased levels of silicon in cell walls reduce transpiration loss caused by higher temperatures thus allowing continued metabolic functions at higher temperatures. Plants wilt less, resist sunburn and are generally more tolerant of heat stresses. Cuttings and plugs are more tolerant of the stresses encountered during root formation and potting up as a result of decreased transpiration.
Silicon has also been shown to result in higher concentrations of chlorophyll per unit area of leaf tissue. This means that a plant is able to tolerate both lower and higher light levels by using more of the available light. Moreover, supplemental levels of soluble silicon have been shown to produce higher concentrations of the enzyme RUBP carboxylase in leaf tissue. This enzyme regulates the metabolism of carbon dioxide and enables the plant to make more efficient use of available levels of CO2.
Silicon deficiencies often are indicated by malformation of young leaves and a failure of pollination and fruit formation in many cases. Plants with silicon added to the nutrient formula also show a decrease in leaf and flower senescence. The shelf life of cut flowers, specialty pot crops and plugs is also extended. Leaves are thicker and darker green compared to those grown without soluble silicon.
Silica works by allowing plant cells to build thicker cell walls. Thicker cell walls have several benefits. Thicker cells in the leaves make it more difficult for insects to pierce the leaf and thus make those plants a less attractive choice. The thicker cell walls make bigger stems and branches which in turn allow more food & water, as well as plant secretions to move up and down the plant’s Xylem and Phloem (the highways of the plant.) In addition thicker cell walls mean your favorite plants will be more resistant to environmental stressors such as: extreme heat, drought, and the stress caused by transplanting. These are just a few reasons to add Silica to your feeding program. There is even evidence coming out in new scientific studies that Silica treatments can systemically lower if not alleviate your powdery mildew problems!!! What more do you need to hear?
If you do decide to add Silica there are two things you should know. First, most fertilizer is acidic and Silica is alkali (it will raise your pH.) It is best to add it to your water either first before any other fertilizer or add it last but diluted in water (for example 100ml of Silica in 1 gallon of water.) This dilution in water will minimize localized chemical reactions (that cloud that appears when you pour concentrated fertilizers or pH adjustment chemicals into your reservoir) which make nutrients bind together and become unavailable to your plant. The Second thing to note is that plants only need a small amount of Silica for all of these benefits so please follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This is Not on of those things that if a little is good more is better!!!
No one wants wimpy plants, try some Silica and make your plants HEFTY, HEFTY, HEFTY!!!!
PureGro1
Proud To be A Stoner!
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ContributorPosted 18 September 2012 - 08:54 AM
Silica is a compound of Silicon & Oxygen with the formula of SiO2. As an additive for Marijuana Plants, it has numerous benefits. Think of it similar to a super vitamin for humans.
What Does Silica Do For My Marijuana Plant?
Some of Silica's great benefits are:
- Added Tolerance to Heat
- Added Tolerance to Cold
- Added Tolerance to Drought
- Added Tolerance to Salt Buildup
- Added Tolerance to Mineral Toxicity or Deficiency
- Accelerated Growth Rates
- Faster Root Development
- Increased Resistance to Insects
- Increased Resistance to Fungal Disease
Easy! Several different nutrient companies have a Silica product out. Some of those products are:
- Rhino Skin by Advanced Nutrients
- Silica Blast by Botanicare
- Silica by Dutch Master
- Pro-Silicate by GroTek
The mixture ratios for the products mentioned above are listed below. If you use another product not listed below, please follow the instructions on the label.
- Rhino Skin 8ml / 4 liters (1 1/2 tsp / 1 gallon)
- Silica Blast 5ml / 4 liters (1 tsp / 1 gallon)
- Silica 2ml / 4 liters (1/2 tsp / 1 gallon)
- Pro-Silicate 5ml / 4 liters (1 tsp / 1 gallon)
Most of the products listed above suggest slightly different application times. However after a lot of research we have determined it is best to use Silica during the entire plants life. A smart idea would be to use 25% strength when they are seedlings and slowly increase the amount to full strength once they are in full bloom.
The latest research proves that plants benefit in many important ways from supplemental soluble silicon. These benefits include greater tolerance of environmental stresses, such as cold, heat, drought, salinity, mineral toxicity or deficiency, improved growth rates and resistance to insects and fungi. Soluble silicon promotes natural fungal defense mechanisms in plants, significantly reducing and, in many cases eliminating entirely, the need to use fungicides. Silicon deposited in epidermal cell walls makes plants resistant to small sucking insects. The resulting increased mechanical strength in epidermal cell walls enhances leaf presentation and stem strength. Soluble silicon enhances metabolic functions and improves pollen fertility, fruit and flower count.
Silicon Increases Resistance to Pathogens
Silicon deposition in the epidermal cells of plants act as a barrier against penetration of invading fungi such as powdery mildew and Pythium. Following a fungal infection, greater deposits of silicon are found around the affected plant tissue showing that silicon is selectively accumulated at the site. Silicon is also deposited in the cell walls of roots where it acts as a barrier against invasion of the stele by parasites and pathogens. Tests conducted on cucumbers, melons and tomatoes determined that soluble silicon must be available to the plant during the period of infection by fungal spores. The silicon is deposited at the sites of infection to form stronger, harder cell walls to deter the fungus. Silicon also stimulates the production of polyphenolic compounds which form part of a plant's natural defenses against fungal infection and insect attack. Silicon is rapidly bound in leaf tissue and will be deposited in a non-translocatable form within 24 hours. Therefore a continuous source of soluble silicon is very important to combat pathogens. This can be from constant feeding in hydroponics or from retention in the growing medium with soils or soilless mixes.
In some plants, foliar applications appear to lead to even lower rates of disease probably because deposits of silicon compounds on the leaf surface promote physical barriers to the infection process. Foliar sprays of soluble silicon have also been shown to be effective for control of aphids and other sucking insects on many plants. Epidermal cell walls containing silicon deposits act as a mechanical barrier to the styles and mandibles of sucking and biting insects In addition to the silicate deposits in the leaves, the intracellular content of silicic acid also acts as an effective sap sucking inhibitor for many insects.
Silicon Increases Metabolic Rates and Stress Resistance
Research shows that silicon benefits plants in the following ways: improved resistance to wilt, resistance to water stress (heat and drought), enhanced leaf presentation resulting in improved light interception, enhanced reproductive growth, and increased tolerance of excessive phosphorus, manganese, sodium and aluminum concentrations, zinc deficiencies and cold temperatures. Silicon, deposited in the cell walls, forms a protective layer reducing transpiration through the outer cells. Silicon deposits in the cell walls of xylem vessels prevent compression of the vessels under conditions of high transpiration caused by drought or heat stress. Temperatures much above 90°F cause plants to virtually cease their metabolic functions because water is lost through transpiration faster than it can be replaced via the plant's root system. This results in harmful increases in intracellular mineral concentrations that inhibit plant functions. Increased levels of silicon in cell walls reduce transpiration loss caused by higher temperatures thus allowing continued metabolic functions at higher temperatures. Plants wilt less, resist sunburn and are generally more tolerant of heat stresses. Cuttings and plugs are more tolerant of the stresses encountered during root formation and potting up as a result of decreased transpiration.
Silicon has also been shown to result in higher concentrations of chlorophyll per unit area of leaf tissue. This means that a plant is able to tolerate both lower and higher light levels by using more of the available light. Moreover, supplemental levels of soluble silicon have been shown to produce higher concentrations of the enzyme RUBP carboxylase in leaf tissue. This enzyme regulates the metabolism of carbon dioxide and enables the plant to make more efficient use of available levels of CO2.
Silicon deficiencies often are indicated by malformation of young leaves and a failure of pollination and fruit formation in many cases. Plants with silicon added to the nutrient formula also show a decrease in leaf and flower senescence. The shelf life of cut flowers, specialty pot crops and plugs is also extended. Leaves are thicker and darker green compared to those grown without soluble silicon.
Silica works by allowing plant cells to build thicker cell walls. Thicker cell walls have several benefits. Thicker cells in the leaves make it more difficult for insects to pierce the leaf and thus make those plants a less attractive choice. The thicker cell walls make bigger stems and branches which in turn allow more food & water, as well as plant secretions to move up and down the plant’s Xylem and Phloem (the highways of the plant.) In addition thicker cell walls mean your favorite plants will be more resistant to environmental stressors such as: extreme heat, drought, and the stress caused by transplanting. These are just a few reasons to add Silica to your feeding program. There is even evidence coming out in new scientific studies that Silica treatments can systemically lower if not alleviate your powdery mildew problems!!! What more do you need to hear?
If you do decide to add Silica there are two things you should know. First, most fertilizer is acidic and Silica is alkali (it will raise your pH.) It is best to add it to your water either first before any other fertilizer or add it last but diluted in water (for example 100ml of Silica in 1 gallon of water.) This dilution in water will minimize localized chemical reactions (that cloud that appears when you pour concentrated fertilizers or pH adjustment chemicals into your reservoir) which make nutrients bind together and become unavailable to your plant. The Second thing to note is that plants only need a small amount of Silica for all of these benefits so please follow the manufacturer’s instructions. This is Not on of those things that if a little is good more is better!!!
No one wants wimpy plants, try some Silica and make your plants HEFTY, HEFTY, HEFTY!!!!
innerG
Well-Known Member
Honestly, I've neen skipping the silica lately but I'll try giving it another shot and adding it first.
I didn't really pay attention to the order I mixed stuff (never knew it would matter) I just mix it together and then correct the PH.
It stayed liquid in a metal tablespoon but once I put it into the solution before it was like seeing milk instantly curdle.
DesertGrow89
Well-Known Member
"Silicon (Si) is one of the most prevalent macroelements, performing an essential function in healing plants in response to environmental stresses. The purpose of using Si is to induce resistance to distinct stresses, diseases, and pathogens. Additionally, Si can improve the condition of soils, which contain toxic levels of heavy metals along with other chemical elements. Silicon minimizes toxicity of Fe, Al, and Mn, increases the availability of P, and enhances drought along with salt tolerance in plants through the formation of silicified tissues in plants. However, the concentration of Si depends on the plants genotype and organisms. Hence, the physiological mechanisms and metabolic activities of plants may be affected by Si application. Peptides as well as amino acids can effectively create polysilicic species through interactions with different species of silicate inside solution. The carboxylic acid and the alcohol groups of serine and asparagine tend not to engage in any significant role in polysilicates formation, but the hydroxyl group side chain can be involved in the formation of hydrogen bond with Si(OH)4. The mechanisms and trend of Si absorption are different between plant species. Furthermore, the transportation of Si requires an energy mechanism; thus, low temperatures and metabolic repressors inhibit Si transportation."
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4317640/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4317640/
Kygiacomo
Well-Known Member
Great thread! i use Diatomacoues earth mixed into my soil for PAS to the plants. its instantly avaliable to the ladys but i also use Azomite and Basalt rock dust mixed in the soil which also has silica but has to be broken down by microbes..i reuse the soil so it gets better every year and i do foliar with protekt,jumpstart,liquid karma and calmag+..oh i almost forgot i use bioag humic& silica powder as a drench..im a big believer in silica
Abiqua
Well-Known Member
i have to disagree...dia earth is NOT instantly available....in fact thats what makes it work so effectively as a physical insect control agent....It sticks around for quite a while in the soil...I use a Recycled Old Living Soil process and use food grade Red Lake Dia Earth as a top dressing for mites....I still see the layers after 2-3 flowering runs of the same soil stock...it can last 12 months easily.....
Now, Potassium silicate IS intstantly available, especially immersed in water...like Agsil, Pro-Tekt etc etc...they are all the same, some water it down and some make it stronger....Agsil powder is probably the best deal other than a chemical supply house and you only need .5 to .75 grams / per gallon...which should give you about 40ppm....
churchhaze
Well-Known Member
That review didn't even have a procedure or a results section because it wasn't even an experiment, just a review. Yet somehow they came up with a conclusion.
Even though it came from a .gov site, that review was basically someone's essay on silica. You won't find many unbiased experiments using silica, and the ones you will find all have inconclusive results in one way or another. (from poorly setting up the experiment usually). For every one study claiming marginal benefits from the "macro" nutrient silicon, there's 500 studies P. This is likely because P makes as noticeable difference, while silicon doesn't do anything.
The fact that they start off by calling silicon a macronutrient while at the end saying plants (especially dicots) don't uptake much silicon. It's also a large stretch to call it useful just because it gets deposited in plant cells.
Last but not least... they recommend genetically engineering plants to have roots that can better uptake silicon. Great! A GMO that turns cannabis into glass!! Stoners will love this one!
DesertGrow89
Well-Known Member
"For every one study claiming marginal benefits from the "macro" nutrient silicon, there's 500 studies P. This is likely because P makes as noticeable difference, while silicon doesn't do anything."
How does P benefit plants in a similar way that silicon does? Explain..
How does P benefit plants in a similar way that silicon does? Explain..
churchhaze
Well-Known Member
Silicon doesn't benefit plants... I never said it has benefits similar to P, in fact I said the opposite.
P is a real nutrient.
You're wasting your time with silica... Focus on providing the right amounts of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, B, Mo and make sure your plants are healthy. (notice how there's no such thing as a silicon deficiency)
P is a real nutrient.
You're wasting your time with silica... Focus on providing the right amounts of N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Fe, Mn, Zn, B, Mo and make sure your plants are healthy. (notice how there's no such thing as a silicon deficiency)
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DesertGrow89
Well-Known Member
Strong advice, N being the most important, none of that high P bs sans maybe the final couple weeks of flower..
Abiqua
Well-Known Member
Thanks AZ!
.5 gram = 43 ppm
Kygiacomo
Well-Known Member
I use to think the same thing as well but i have found out otherwise that is incorrect. Also check out this http://plantscienceconcepts.com/osa28/ stuff its suppose to be same as fasilitor but alot cheaper and its in PAS form so it will be instantly avaliable. Also check this thread i made on icmag. the links are all there from eclipse420 and u will learn more about silicon and the best to use for our ladys. im a guerilla grower so i need to get my plants as tough as possible. https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=308138
Soluble Silica" products derived from "monosilicate acid" (plant available silica) are more effective than products derived solely from just "potassium silicate". Aptus' FaSilator...a pricey source for silica, but it is also derived from "monosilicate acid".
May I suggest, GrowMore's Silo-Tec at 2.5 gallons for $32...derived from BOTH "potassium silicate" and "monosilicate acid". If my math is correct, is by far the best bargain...at a dime an ounce. Hard to find, but I get mine at the local farm supply store--if your fav hydro store carries the GrowMore line (as most do)...maybe they will special order it.
IMHO, tossing a spoonful of DE to a 5 gallon container does very little. Studies have shown great results (both harvest yield and plant health) when Fossil Shell Flour (food grade DE) is added to growing mediums at significant high rates, like--6% by volume.
For some "advanced studies" in Silica, may I suggest reading these papers.
1. Good primer on "silica fertilizers" with a bias towards Diatomaceous Earth www.privilifesciences.com/download/A-review-of-Silicon-and-its-benefits-for-plants.pdf
2. Agripower (the company that published the above primer) also conducted numerous field trials, very interesting indeed. http://www.agripower.com.au/#!trial-sheets-f/cmzi
3. For a textbook styled presentation of Silica, read this one: www.siliforce.com/pdf/7c/Snyder%20Mati%20Les%20effets%2 0du%20Silicium.pdf
4. Now, this particular study is detailed, a bit deep--but it does compare a number of Si sources (calcium silicate, potassium silicate, cement, etc) and contains lots of tables with numbers and "ranking" by harvest yield--very telling for sure. elibrary.sugarresearch.com.au/bitstream/handle/11079/12957/CLW009_Final_Report.pdf?sequen ce=1&isAllowed=y
The type of DE I use is foodgrade quality, Fossil Shell Flour, which is derived from fresh water sources and has the consistency of talcum powder. I add an insane amount of FSF to my custom grow medium at the equivalent rate of 20lbs per cubic yard....or 336 grams per cubic foot.
Guaranteed analysis of PermaGuard's FSF are attached--almost 90% amorphous silica oxide, 50 lb bag for less than $30. That equates to about $0.67 per pound for SiO2, compared to say AgSil 16h which is $6.06 per pound.
Proof:
50lb bag of AgSil16h contains 52.8% SiO2 and available around $160 (plus shipping).
50lbs X 52.8% = 26.4 lbs SiO2
$160 (price) ÷ 26.4 (lbs SiO2) = $6.06/lb
50lb bag of Fossil Shell Flour contains 89% SiO2 and available under $30 (plus shipping).
50lbs X 89% = 44.5 lbs SiO2
$30 (price) ÷ 44.5 (lbs SiO2) = $0.67/lb
Lots of stuff out there on silica for sure...if one looks. BTW, the preferred "flavor" of Potassium Silicate is one that includes "monosilicic acid" which is "plant available silica" (as is amorphous silica (DE)). Point to ponder--not all "silica" sources are immediately "plant available" and must be "siliconized" first--which can take days/weeks to complete.
Silicon (Si) is one of the most abundant elements in the earth’s crust. Soils generally contain from
5 to 40% Si (Kovda, 1973) consisting of mainly poorly soluble quartz and crystalline silicates,
which are inert. Whilst silicon is plentiful, most sources of silicon are insoluble and not in a plant available
form.
Plants can only absorb Si in the form of soluble monosilicic acid, a non-charged molecule.
Monosilicic acid, or plant available silicon (PAS), is a product of Si-rich mineral dissolution
(Lindsay, 1979). Different Si sources have different dissolution rates; the solubility of quartz is
low compared to the easily soluble amorphous silica, diatomaceous earth (Savant et al, 1999).
PAS is absorbed by plants, benefiting the plant in terms of growth and resistance to disease and
environmental stresses. PAS also has a significant effect on soil texture, water holding capacity,
adsorption capacity, and soil erosion stability.
churchhaze
Well-Known Member
That's because your silica supplement contains more than just silica. The guy that posted before you said he uses shells, which is high in calcium, a macro nutrient needed for plant life. Anyone feeding potassium silicate is supplementing potassium, a MACRO element.
Silica is glass/sand. It's a medium...
Silica is glass/sand. It's a medium...
homebrewer
Well-Known Member
I'm not one to dump a bunch of silica on my plants like some of the bottles suggest but potassium silicate definitely helps our plants. It may not be essential for growth like N, P, K, etc, but it definitely helps. It can also be overdone as too much silica can make leaves so tough that they become brittle. I use about 1/4 ml/gal at each watering and stop close to harvest. You should give it a try, you'll grow structurally stronger plants.
churchhaze
Well-Known Member
The molar mass of K is 39.1g
There are 2 K for every potassium silicate and the molar mass is 154.3 g making it 50.7% K by mass. (not K2O like in NPK, but K)
There is 1 K for every potassium hydroxide and the molar mass is 56.10 g making it 69.7% K by mass.
In order to determine whether it's the potassium or silicate having desirable effects, it's possible to use 0.727g of KOH in a control group for every 1g of K2SiO3 in the experiment +Si group. That experiment's results would have more conclusive results than letting K be a freedom variable. The purpose of the control group would be to have an equal amount of added K as the +Si group. Without that, it's hard for me to even believe the anecdotes that say silica does anything.
homebrewer
Well-Known Member
FWIW, I've been experimenting with potassium sulfate for close to a year now and it does not have a noticeable effect like potassium silicate.
hondagrower420
Well-Known Member
I just got cutting edge solutions bulletproof si.
It guaranteed analysis is 5% silicon dioxide (SiO2) derived from sodium silicate.
What are this differences between this and potassium silicate?
It guaranteed analysis is 5% silicon dioxide (SiO2) derived from sodium silicate.
What are this differences between this and potassium silicate?