Silica when used correctly is critically important IMO for reducing stressors by strengthening structure inside and out, reinforcing disease resistance, and improving overall vitality. A light weekly foliar can be very beneficial, but IME less is more. I dose mine at 1/8 GOT the recommended. My thoughts are that if you give a plant a surplus, it will reject it and lock out. If you give the plant a smidge of that, they will consume it all effortlessly.
I won't grow without it, as I've found when used correctly, trichomes love it.
This was fresh media on this run. I made my dressings and let it cook for a little bit. I didn't add one thing from the last grow. I tried using a oil dry product that is ONLY processed DE. I don't know if it's heated, but it's formed into a very light small chunks. I was using it as aeration and possibly an
available source of silica. With plenty of bio-activity, I figure it might do two jobs well.
In this current grow, I can tell a difference in stem thickness and firmness when performing LST at same stage girls. Other than that one thing, the media is essentially the same from the past grow. The one possible slight difference in overall bioactivity, but mainly in the small insect population., early in the grow. Compost mites mainly Maybe the earlier large population of mites on breakdown of the chitin with the plant's immune response. In addition to the terpene response
, doesn't this also trigger stem thickening for armor against bugs, along with stimulate flower production with the plant's effort to reproduce under perceived attack?
Along those lines, in addition to being a fertilizer, wouldn't insect frass elicit some defensive response?
I have to get my worms going again. I don't have a place to pick up worms. Only mail order. I splurged and ordered worm castings from BAS. It did contain ok life, but it was way over processed/handled. Not worth a return buy for me.
I'd like to find some pumice like what BAS has, but locally. It's a great product, but shipping blows, especially with my 'tree in the hallway' strapped ass! LOL! I would use the DE oil dry at a 1 to 4 ratio with the pumice.. It's remained pretty stable thru two grows.....both pumice and DE product.
I hope all that rambling made some sense. I'm trying to get my pain level down somewhat. The limited sleep lets my back muscles fatigue quickly.....then spaz sets in.Some know all to well what I'm talking about. Didn't help sitting around the doc office all that time..........and girls needed water.........they always need some water! . At least it was good news for the most part wif da doc..