Silicon Liquid LA45

Silicon Liquid LA45

Silicon Liquid LA45 is a highly concentrated liquid silicon product based on purified diatomaceous earth (kieselguhr). The product contains accessible silicon in the form of finely divided silicon dioxide (SiO?) and soluble silicic acid (Si(OH)?), stabilized in a lightly acidic liquid. Silicon Liquid LA45 is developed for professional agricultural applications and for use as a functional raw material in liquid fertilizers and biostimulant formulations.

Origin and accessibility of silicon

The silicon source of Silicon Liquid LA45 is diatomaceous earth, a natural mineral consisting of fossilized skeletons of diatoms. Through a controlled chemical process, the silicon is accessible from this matrix and converted into a very finely divided silicon fraction. Due to this very small particle size and the specific pH value, the silicon remains stable in solution and polymerization is prevented. This results in a silicon form that is easily mixable, remains technically stable, and is effectively available for plant uptake.

Forms of silicon in Silicon Liquid LA45

Silicon Liquid LA45 contains two functional silicon forms:

• Silicon dioxide (SiO?) in reactive form
• Soluble silicic acid (Si(OH)?), the immediately absorbable silicon form

The presence of soluble silicic acid is made possible by the lightly acidic pH value (about 3.5?4.5), which keeps this form in solution and directly available for plants.

Role of silicon in plant physiology

Silicon is, after oxygen, one of the most common elements in the Earth's crust and plays an important role in the structure and resilience of plants. In plants, silicon is mainly deposited in the cell wall, where it contributes to mechanical strength and improved stability of plant tissue.

Increased availability of silicon can contribute to:

• Strengthening cell walls and plant structure
• Improved tolerance against abiotic stresses such as drought, heat, salt stress, and wind
• More efficient light utilization and support of photosynthesis processes
• Indirect reduction of sensitivity to fungi and insect damage

Comparison with other silicon sources

In agriculture, various silicon sources are used, such as rock flour, slugs, silicates, and calcium or sodium silicates. These solid sources often contain high percentages of silicon, but availability for plants is usually limited and highly dependent on soil chemistry and conversion processes. Silicon Liquid LA45 distinguishes itself through its liquid form and the share of soluble silicic acid. This allows the silicon to act faster and be effective at significantly lower dosages.

Application and mixing instructions

Silicon Liquid LA45 is suitable for foliar application, fertigation, and processing in liquid fertilizers and specialty fertilizers.

• Mix with clean water between 15?30øC
• Preferably use with mixing water pH <7
• If pH is higher, acidify before adding
• pH up to circa 3.5 is stable for the product
• Always add Silicon Liquid LA45 first to the tank
• Then add other fertilizers or additives

Advantages for formulators

Due to its high solubility (>99%), stable pH, and low EC, Silicon Liquid LA45 is excellent as a raw material for formulations. The product shows no tendency to polymerize and remains stable during storage and tank mixes.

Safety and handling

Silicon Liquid LA45 is not classified as hazardous to health or the environment. Contact may cause mild irritation to eyes or skin.

• Eye contact: rinse with water for several minutes
• Skin contact: rinse with water
• Inhalation: no normal exposure route
• Swallowing: no normal exposure route

Technical data

• Silicon content (Si): approx. 45%
• Dry matter: approx. 46%
• Solubility: >99%
• pH (10% solution): 4.0 ? 4.5
• Specific gravity (20øC): approx. 1.2 kg/L
• Heavy metals: well below detection limits
• Packaging: IBC 1,000 liters