Why not combine silicon-based products and beneficial microorganisms?

Mycorrhiza vs. Silica. For taller plants, silicon (Si) is an essential element that they cannot produce themselves and whose deficiency typically causes health problems (see the separate article: Influence of Silicon on Plant Health). However, many growers do not know that, from the perspective of feeding fast-growing plants, it must be taken into account that otherwise beneficial silicon slows the development of helpful fungi and bacteria in their root system. If this information is new to you, this article will give you an idea of how to deal with it.

When we talk about silicon, in plant nutrition we mainly mean silicates as oxygen-containing compounds of silicon, and this is doubly true for hydroponic cultivation. It is therefore no surprise that not only our customers involved in hydroponics, but growers around the world have for years relied on a natural, pH-neutral product containing an ancient source of biologically transformed organic material and naturally formed clay with silicic acid.

From the experience of thousands of growers it follows that there is no doubt that the product T.A. Silicate represents a very useful supplementary additive to nutrient solutions for the plants you grow. You may know this product by its earlier name Mineral Magic, before the legendary manufacturer General Hydroponics (GHE®) renamed to today’s Terra Aquatica (see the separate article Terra Aquatica (T.A.®) - the new name of a prestigious brand). The current version of the product Silicate by Terra Aquatica, however, boasts an improved formulation that brings growers the following benefits:

• Higher silicate content.
• Better solubility of the active ingredient due to smaller particles.
• Higher carbonate content, stabilizing the pH of the nutrient solution.
• Besides acidity, Silicate also helps stabilize its electrical conductivity (see separate article: Electrical Conductivity of the Nutrient Solution – EC), thereby minimizing stress to which fast-growing plants are often exposed.
• Natural colloids improve cation exchange in the nutrient solution, meaning better nutrient availability for your plants. Your plants will also benefit from the presence of another 60 minerals that are part of the T.A. Silicate formulation.
• The composition of Silicate also protects plants from metal toxins.

Specifically, you can use T.A. Silicate (G.H. Mineral Magic) when growing plants in coco, in hydroponic systems, in soil, in bioponics and even as a foliar spray applied directly to the leaves. The same applies to other quality silicon-based products, but they will all have one thing in common—and that is why you should pay attention now!

If you read our articles almost regularly, you have probably also read this one: Mycorrhiza or High Yields without Chemicals. It explains the importance of beneficial microorganisms in plant nutrition and discusses the excellent results that products containing these beneficial soil bacteria and fungi bring to growers, especially in organic cultivation and agricultural crops of organic quality. This includes, for example, the hit of the last season MYKORIZA premium or the most accessible organic mycorrhizal product and a newcomer from the brand Plant Success Organics: Mycorrhizae Great White Granular 1.

However, when growing plants in a substrate it would be counterproductive to use mycorrhizal products simultaneously with silica-based products like “Silica.” Beneficial fungi and bacteria are even part of the growing medium itself in some cases, such as with the compressed UGro XL Rhiza coconut brick.

T.A. Silicate does act synergistically with all products from the same manufacturer, but exercise increased caution when combining it with plant nutrition supplements such as the very effective microbial blends T.A Trikologic and T.A Trikologic S. The manufacturer recommends applying Silicate exclusively as a foliar spray or by using the so-called dry method directly to the stem just above the substrate. (The correct dosing for both methods is shown in the table.)

This way you will avoid the unwanted slowing of development of those so beneficial colonies in the soil! Take this advice to heart especially when indoor growing in a grow box. In open ground, T.A. Silicate (see above) on the other hand stimulates the development of beneficial microorganisms thanks to larger growing space and lower concentration, helping create a natural environment and extremely healthy plants.

If you would like to ask us anything, we are here for you at the usual e-mail address info@higarden.cz.

We also recommend these products:

• BudBox LITE 60x60x140cm
• T.A. FinalPart (G.H. Ripen)
• T.A. FlashClean (G.H. FloraKleen)

Further reading:

• BudBox - Stable grow tents are number one in the UK
• Sprays and sprayers - everything you need to know
• Prima Klima - fans for maximum performance and minimum noise