Potassium Silicate

Potassium Silicate (K₂SiO₃) is a soluble compound composed of potassium (K) and silicon (Si), used widely in agriculture, horticulture, and hydroponics. It serves a dual function as a nutrient supplement and a plant defense enhancer, making it valuable for sustainable and integrated pest management (IPM) programs.

Key Benefits:

• Silicon Supplementation: Provides silicon which strengthens plant cell walls, improving mechanical strength and reducing lodging.
• Improves Stress Tolerance: Enhances plant resistance to abiotic stress (drought, salinity, temperature extremes).
• Pest and Disease Resistance: Acts as a physical barrier against fungal infections and reduces the impact of soft-bodied insects like aphids and whiteflies.
• Boosts Potassium Nutrition: Supplies potassium, a critical nutrient for flowering, fruiting, and general plant vigor.
• pH Buffer: Can raise and stabilize pH in hydroponic and foliar solutions.

Applications:

• Agriculture & Horticulture: Used in foliar sprays or fertigation for crops like tomatoes, cucumbers, grapes, cereals, and ornamentals.
• Hydroponics & Greenhouses: Prevents fungal root diseases and supports structural integrity in fast-growing plants.
• Organic Farming: Often permitted in certified organic programs (verify OMRI status).

Usage Guidelines:

• Foliar Spray: 1–2 mL per liter of water, applied every 7–10 days.
• Soil Drench/Fertigation: 0.5–2.0 mL per liter depending on crop and stage.
• Hydroponics: Use with caution to avoid nutrient lockout due to high pH. Best added to reservoir water before other nutrients.
• Compatibility: Incompatible with acidic products and calcium fertilizers—use in a separate tank or with proper buffering.