@arty zan - Well, which silica should we use? and who makes it?
Monosilicic Acid AKA Orthosilicic Acid (H4O4Si ) is the most readily available form of silica/silicon for plants.
There are a number of Silicon compounds, which aren't readily available for uptake by plants.
However soil micro herd of beneficial bacteria (sometimes referred to as bennies) breaks down these silicon compounds in to usable Monosilicic Acid.
PAS.... what is a PAS? Plant Available Silica such as Monosilicic Acid, this what you need to look for on bottle of silica/silicon amendments.
Two reasons, silica compounds not available to the plant in their current form,need to be broken down by microbial action as previously mentioned, this process can take weeks or even months.
Such a lengthy wait will mean the plant may not be getting the silica it requires,at the time it is needed, for not only for stronger stems,leaves but also higher pest and disease control.
Product high in silica acid can seem to be a high price but it will be available to the plant straight away!
If adding silica compounds which need to be broken down, adding beneficial bacteria (bennies) will help the process along, especially coco which unless already added, will be low in bacteria need for the break down.
Remember also that Chlorine in tap water, will kill off beneficial bacteria needed to break down the silica compounds.
If your water company uses chlorine..... bubble the water for a few hours or leave to stand for 24 hours.
If your water company uses chloramine then bubbling/standing won't work at which point there are treatment which contain a very high vitamin C using either ascorbic acid or sodium ascorbate content, which oxidizes the Chlorine component of the "Chloramine", leaving only the ammonia element of the "Chloramine".
The Ammonia is not a problem in of it's self as it is easily broken down by the bennies.
This is what I have come to understand after talking to
@Vapo and having a discussion on which Silica acid based additive to use.
We are both users of "Dutch Pro" nutrients and at this moment in time I think we are both going to try "Von Liebig’s Special" from Dutch Pro.
At 3.8% Silicic Acid the product (Von Liebig’s Special) is reasonably priced, you can get much higher percentages of monosilicic Acid in other high end products but the price is also sky high!
If memory serves me right "BioBizz" ran a comp to see if you could guess what plant element was used in their new product designed to "protect the immune system, increase metabolism and enhance nutrient absorption in all sorts of plants".
The product is called "Acti-Vera"
However they fail to mention any specific compounds that the Aloe brings to the mix.
@mohawk warrior , yest the Egyptians did use Aloe Vera and did call it the "Plant of Immortality", With benefits on heart health, the digestive system, anti-ageing, and the immune system.
Why "Immortality" Aloe Vera hydrates & strengthens the skin for increased elasticity by stimulating the production of collagen, a naturally occurring substance in your body. Collagen is responsible for providing your skin with the ability to “snap back” as it moves, therefor minimizing the formation of fine lines and wrinkles that can give you an old or angry appearance. Keeping you looking younger for longer!
ppp
....in a community support way....
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