By Cruz Lena
The meaning of silica in the dictionary reveals that it is a hard, colorless, and unreactive compound present in mineral quartz and is also the main constituent in rocks and sand. Around 59% of earth’s crust is made up of silica and it is the main component present in more than 95% of known rocks. So, you will find silica in abundance in the soil as well in plant tissues.
For successful development plants widely need 17 main elements. They include –
Macronutrients
- Calcium
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Sulfur
- Nitrogen
Micronutrients
- Iron
- Copper
- Manganese
- Chlorine
- Zinc
- Nickel
- Boron
- Molybdenum
Other obvious elements are –
- Oxygen
- Hydrogen
- Carbon
As there is plenty of silicon in plant tissue, some weed growers are confused. Should they use silica in cannabis gardens? Besides, silica is not classified as an essential nutrient and this makes some growers think that using it in regular feeding regime is not necessary. It is a wrong belief, here is why?
Why cannabis plants need silica?
Cannabis plants grown in the soil can absorb small silica quantities but those grown hydroponically don’t have a direct source, so you need to use silica in cannabis gardens for extra nutrients. From the silica intake plants can benefit in several ways.
Strong cell walls
The plant cells get reinforced from the inside due to silica. Thus the plant builds thick and strong stems that can bear the bud weight. Thick cell walls produce bug branches and stem that absorb and transport nutrients and water more effectively. Consequently, the plant gets a fast and very extensive growth.
Build high resistance to climatic stress
The immune system of plants is basically poor but silica helps them to survive in extreme hot or cold weather. On the intracellular level, silica forms a protective layer, which reduces water loss levels during transpiration.
Increases pathogen resistance
When silica supplement is fed to the cannabis plant, it gets accumulated around an infected spot fortifying that area against fungal infections. The plant uses silica as a resistance to build an extra mineral barrier, which makes it hard for pathogens and disease to enter within the plant.
High pest resistance
Silica gathers within the leaves’ epidermal cell walls making it difficult for pests to suck or bite them.
Enhances the absorption of nutrients
Silica plays a huge role in absorbing macronutrients like potassium, magnesium, and nitrogen even in imperfect growing conditions.
Protects from heavy metal toxicity
Plants feel stressed when metals are present and thus the quality and performance get adversely affected. These heavy metals are toxic to users. According to a study, silica reduces heavy metals from the soil, and thus the absorption by the plants related to these metals reduces.
Improves metabolic functions
Plants that are grown using soluble silica have high chlorophyll concentration in their leaves, which make them look healthy and lush.
