Silicon in Agriculture: Boosting Crop Growth and Yield for Sustainable Farming

• June 21 2023, by Agriplex India
• 5 min reading time

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Welcome to the wonderful world of agriculture, where plants rely on a secret ingredient for their well-being. You may be familiar with the superheroes of the nutrient world, but there's a humble yet remarkable micronutrient called silicon that deserves the spotlight. In this article, we'll understand the fascinating role of silicon as a micronutrient in agriculture. We'll explore how it can benefit plant growth, resilience, and overall crop yields, bringing out the best in your beloved greens. 

Understanding the Use of Silicon Fertilizer in Agriculture

Just as we need essential vitamins and minerals to stay healthy, plants have their own set of vital nutrients. Silicon, often overlooked, is one of these essential micronutrients. It may not be considered "essential" for plant survival, but it certainly plays a significant role when it joins the plant nutrition system. 

The Wonders of Silicon in Agriculture

• Strength and Stability: Silicon helps plants build strong structures. By depositing silica compounds in cell walls, it fortifies plants, making them resilient against bending or breaking, especially during harsh weather or when carrying heavy fruit. This benefit is particularly valuable for crops like rice, wheat, and sugarcane, preventing losses due to water lodging.

• Shielding Plants from Stress: Silicon is like a protective shield for plants, defending them against both biotic and abiotic stress. It acts as a barrier, making it challenging for pathogens to infiltrate plant tissues. Additionally, it activates defense-related genes and encourages the production of antimicrobial compounds, bolstering plants' resilience against diseases. Silicon also helps plants combat abiotic stress, such as drought, salinity, and heavy metals, reducing their harmful impact and safeguarding crops.

• Pest Protection: Silicon also acts as a formidable defender against pests. Working as an invisible shield that keeps the pests at bay. Silicon forms a protective thick physical barrier on plant surfaces, making it difficult for insects to feast on leaves and fruits. Moreover, silicon activates plant defenses, leading to the production of compounds that deter pests. This eco-friendly approach reduces the need for harmful pesticides and promotes a balanced ecosystem.

• Maximizing Nutrient Efficiency: Silicon improves the absorption and utilization of crucial elements like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This means plants can use nutrients more effectively, reducing the reliance on excessive chemical fertilizers and minimizing nutrient loss.

• Building Resilience to Environmental Challenges: Silicon equips plants with superpowers to thrive in adverse conditions. It's like giving them a trusty superhero suit! Silicon enhances plant tolerance to drought, high temperatures, UV radiation, and other environmental stressors. By bolstering resilience, silicon ensures crops can withstand challenging circumstances, maintaining productivity and sustainability.

Sources Of Silicon For Plants

• Soil Minerals: The weathering of rocks and minerals like feldspar and mica releases silicon into the soil over time.

• Organic Matter Decomposition: As organic matter breaks down, it contributes to the availability of silicon in the soil.

• Silicon-Accumulating Plants: Certain plants, such as rice, wheat, sugarcane, and horsetail, can extract and accumulate silicon from the soil more efficiently.

• Silicon Fertilizer: Incorporating silicon fertilizer, such as Ortho Silicic Acid (OSA), potassium silicate, or calcium silicate, into the soil provides a supplemental source of silicon for plants.

• Silicon wetting agents can be also used along with pesticide/fungicide/growth promoters for better absorption and good results 

Implementation and Application

Now, let's explore how we can harness the power of silicon for your plants. There are several practical ways to apply silicon in agriculture, allowing you to choose the method that best suits your crops and conditions.

• Foliar sprays are like a refreshing mist for plants. Simply spray a silicon solution onto the leaves, and the plants will absorb it. This method is perfect for fast-growing crops or when you need a quick boost of silicon. 

Unlock the power of silicon with Multiplex Orthosil for strong plant growth and Better Yield!

Multiplex Orthosil - Ortho Silicic Acid (2%)

• Orthosil Provides resistance to nutrient and climatic stress.

• Spray of Orthosil Reduces fungus infestation by preventing fungus from penetrating the leaf surface.

• It helps plants to resist toxicity from high levels of Phosphorus, Manganese,

• Aluminium, and Sodium.

• Application of Orthosil prevents insects damage by sucking insects like thrips, and aphids by creating a protective layer overleaf

• Dosage - Dissolve 1 to 2 ml of Multiplex Orthosil in one liter of water and spray on both surfaces of leaves.First spray - 30 days after sowing or transplantation. We recommend 2-3 sprays at an interval of 20 days between the sprays.

• Seed treatments are another effective method. Coating the seeds with a silicon solution gives the young seedlings a head start with their silicon reserves. And for those using hydroponics, don't worry, silicon can be part of your setup too! By adding soluble silicon compounds to the nutrient solution, you ensure your hydroponic plants benefit from this valuable micronutrient.

 Conclusion

Silicon may not wear a cape, but it possesses incredible powers as a micronutrient in agriculture. From enhancing plant strength to safeguarding against pests and diseases, silicon's remarkable qualities can revolutionize crop growth and sustainability. By understanding its benefits and choosing the right application methods, farmers can unlock the full potential of silicon, paving the way for healthier crops and a thriving agricultural future. So, let's embrace the power of silicon and embark on an exciting journey towards vibrant fields and a greener planet

Tags

Agriculture Blogs Gallery Farming Nitrogen Nutrient Deficiency Nutrients Phosphorous Potassium Silicon

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