Why Silica Should Be Considered an Essential Macronutrient

So, what is silica and more importantly, why should you be adding it to your crop? Silica is a general term used to reference the compound silicon dioxide which is created when silicon and oxygen come into contact. Silicon is present in many soils and is a major component of plant tissue (sometimes even present in higher concentrations than nitrogen and potassium).

The list of benefits silica can bring to the table in terms of your crop is seemingly endless. Below we have highlighted some of our favourite reasons to add this macronutrient to your fertilisation schedule.

Firstly, silica creates stronger cell walls in your plants. This is so important because by strengthening the cell walls in your plants, you allow your crop to build stronger, reinforced branches that can support the weight of any fruit your plant may produce. More than this, though, bigger stems mean greater uptake of water and nutrient throughout your plant’s body, which gives you a bigger yield, in less time.

Secondly, unlike people, plants do not have functioning immune systems. Adding silica to your nutrient regime helps to support immunity in plants by allowing your crop to withstand dramatic highs and lows in temperature, as well as drought. Although this is important worldwide, Australian summers are particularly harsh on plant growth where both drought and temperature highs are commonplace. All the more reason to consider making this macronutrient a permanent member of your nutrient schedule.

Speaking of immunity, silica can also be used in plants as a preventative measure against pathogens and pests. A crop being fed soluble silica can accumulate the nutrient around specific areas. Silica can be selectively formed to deter fungal infections such as rust, pythium and powdery mildew. What’s more, silica will accumulate in the leaves’ of your plants, hardening them and creating a barrier between the plant and sucking insects like aphids and thrips.

Studies show that silica should be used throughout your plant’s lifecycle, all the way from cloning to harvest; we recommend making it available to your plants through a nutrient solution. In-store, we like to use BudLink by Hygen.

When adding silica to your plants, you should try and follow the dosage rates provided by your supplier or retailer. If for some reason these rates are not available to you, introduce the macronutrient when your plants are young at about 20-30% of the general feeding rate, increasing the application as your plants enter their bloom phase.

It is important to remember that silica is alkaline by nature, so it will raise the pH level of your nutrient. Add it after your other nutrients have been mixed into the water and keep in mind that, often, the addition of silica will render the addition of any pH up products unnecessary.

We believe that the addition of silica to your crop is an essential step for any serious grower, and once you give it a try, we know you’ll agree.