What is Potassium Silicate
Potassium Silicate is a compound made from potassium and silicon (silica) and has agricultural and industrial uses. Silicon dioxide and potassium carbonate are combined in a calcination process. This soluble compound can be found in a liquid or powder form. As it is such a popular additive to fertiliser, it might be necessary for growers to know if the compound is considered organic. A silica product is the coming together of oxygen and silicon.
What is Potassium Silicate used for in Agriculture
Conventional agriculture uses a long list of sprays, fertilisers, and chemicals to ensure better, safer, and tastier crops. The regular planting and reaping process depletes the soil of some of the nutrients it needs to support healthy plant life. Some of these nutrients, like silicic acid, are volatile and are finished easily.
The primary function of potassium silicate in agriculture is to add silicon and potassium to the soil to form organic plant support and disease control. The key bio-active molecule in the compound is the much-needed silicic acid.
It is water-soluble and added to fertiliser or soil to be absorbed by the plant’s root system or as part of a foliar spray. Silicon and potassium are found naturally in plants and soil but adding some soluble silica is beneficial to the plant’s growth and health.
Plants that have been exposed to extra silicon have thicker stems, bigger leaves, larger fruit, and are more resistant to drought and disease. Potassium has a history of growing lush drought-resistant lawns and the best-tasting fruits and vegetables. Potassium silicates are an excellent source of soluble potassium and silicon in an easy-to-use format.
Is it organic
Silicon and potassium are found in nature, but the compound of potassium silicate has to be manufactured. This doesn’t necessarily mean that potassium silicate is inorganic. The compound’s function is to introduce more silicon into the environment after being depleted by agriculture. Some companies list the substance as specifically organic, and you would do well to make sure the company that supplies it has it labelled as organic.
If the potassium silicate is part of foliar sprays, you have to check all of the ingredients to check if it’s organic. Homemade sprays may contain kelp, herbal tea, or fish emulsion, which are all considered organic. If you buy the spray, it is up to you to check if all of its elements are organic. The business might label the spray as organic too.
Conclusion
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