Silicon Liquid
Silicon
Silicon is an element that is not an essential nutrient in plants, but it plays an important functional role in structural reinforcement and stress resilience. Within biostimulants, silicon is applied to make plants more resistant to both abiotic and biotic stress factors.
What is silicon?
Silicon occurs in the soil mainly as silicic acid and is absorbed by plants in soluble form. Once absorbed, silicon is deposited in plant tissues, where it contributes to physical and physiological protection.
- Non-essential but functional element
- Absorbable as soluble silicic acid
- Deposited in cell walls and epidermis
- Increases structural strength
Silicon and structural reinforcement
One of the main effects of silicon is the reinforcement of cell walls and surface tissues. This physical barrier makes plants less susceptible to mechanical damage and infestation by insects and pathogens.
Silicon and abiotic stress
Drought stress
During drought, silicon helps limit water loss by strengthening the epidermis and better regulating transpiration.
Salt stress
Under salt stress, silicon helps limit ionic disruption and supports ion balance in plant cells.
Heat stress and light stress
At high temperatures and intense light, silicon helps protect photosynthetic structures and cell membranes.
Silicon and biotic stress
By strengthening tissues and supporting defense responses, silicon can reduce the susceptibility to fungi, bacteria, and insect feeding.
Impact on plant physiology
In addition to structural effects, silicon influences various physiological processes, such as water regulation, photosynthetic efficiency, and stress signaling.
Silicon in biostimulant formulations
Silicon is often used in biostimulants focused on resilience and stress management, especially in crops sensitive to abiotic stress.
- Support for structural strength
- Applicable via soil and foliage
- Combinable with other biostimulant raw materials
- Suitable for various cultivation systems
Effect on plant performance
Properly applied silicon contributes to:
- Increased stress tolerance
- Improved plant resilience
- Reduction of physical damage
- Maintenance of plant vitality
Overview: role of silicon
| Aspect | Contribution of silicon |
|---|---|
| Structure | Reinforcement of cell walls |
| Abiotic stress | Limitation of water and heat damage |
| Biotic stress | Increased resistance to infestation |
| Plant physiology | Support for vital processes |
| Formulation | Resilience-oriented biostimulant raw material |