Ferro Silex - Plant Enhancer: The Power of Orthosilicic Acid for Optimal Plant Efficiency
Ferro Silex is an advanced silicon preparation specifically developed for the agriculture and horticulture sector. This product contains orthosilicic acid, a unique form of silicon that is essential for the health and resilience of plants. Through an innovative production process, orthosilicic acid is obtained in a form that can be optimally absorbed by plants. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of the functionality, benefits, and application possibilities of Silex.
What is Orthosilicic Acid?
Orthosilicic acid (H4SiO4) is the only form of silicon that can be absorbed by plants. Unlike other forms of silicon, such as sodium silicate, orthosilicic acid is highly absorbable by plant cells. The production process of Silex ensures that silicon is presented in an extremely stable, microscopic thin layer, with particles ranging from just one to a hundred nanometers in size. This allows the plant to effectively integrate silicon into its cell walls.
The Production Process
The production process of Silex is crucial for the effectiveness of the product. It begins with the combination of sodium silicate and sulfuric acid. Through this chemical reaction, orthosilicic acid is formed, which is then filtered to remove any remaining sodium. The result is a highly stable form of silicon that can be easily absorbed by the plant. This form of silicon is essential for strengthening cell walls and overall plant health.
Protection Against Abiotic Factors
One of the major benefits of orthosilicic acid is the protection it offers against abiotic factors. Abiotic factors are non-living environmental conditions that can affect plant health. This includes heat, drought, wind, and UV radiation. By strengthening cell walls, Silex helps plants better withstand these stress factors.
Heat and Drought Stress
Heat and drought stress are common problems in agriculture. High temperatures and limited water availability can severely impact the growth and yield of crops. Orthosilicic acid helps plants use water more efficiently and reduces evaporation. This increases water efficiency and ensures that the plant functions better during periods of extreme heat and drought.
Protection Against Wind and UV Radiation
In addition to heat and drought, wind and UV radiation can also be harmful to plants. Wind can cause mechanical damage and increased evaporation, while UV radiation can damage leaves. The strengthening of cell walls by orthosilicic acid helps the plant better withstand these environmental influences.
Protection Against Biotic Factors
Silicon also plays a crucial role in protecting against biotic factors, such as insects and fungi. These organisms can cause significant damage to plants by penetrating cells and extracting nutrients.
Strengthening the Epidermis
Orthosilicic acid is stored in the epidermis, the outer layer of plant cells. This layer acts as a barrier against harmful external influences. By strengthening cell walls, Silex reduces the likelihood of insects and fungi penetrating the plant. This significantly reduces the risk of diseases such as powdery mildew and Botrytis cinerea, with potential reductions in infestation of 20-80%.
Benefits of Ferro Silex
The benefits of Silex are diverse and significant for both plant health and yield. Below are the key benefits summarized:
Strengthening Cell Walls: Silex actively contributes to incorporating silicon into plant cell walls. This results in significant strengthening of the cells, improving the overall structure and resilience of the plant.
Increased Resistance to Stress Factors: By strengthening cell walls, the plant can better cope with abiotic stress factors such as heat, drought, and salt stress. This results in better growth and yield, even under challenging conditions.
Improved Water Efficiency: By regulating transpiration and evaporation, Silex increases the plant’s water efficiency. This means the plant is better able to utilize water, which is especially important during dry periods.
Enhanced Calcium Transport: Silex promotes calcium transport within the plant, leading to higher sugar content and better preservation of the final product. Adequate calcium supply is crucial for the final weight of the harvest and the quality of flowers and fruits.
Application of Silex
Silex can be used throughout the entire growing season, depending on the needs of the plant. It is particularly useful during periods of heat and drought stress, root development, and flowering. Using Silex during these critical stages helps support and protect the plant from potential stress factors and diseases.
Use During Stress Periods
During periods of high temperatures or limited water availability, it is advisable to use Silex to increase water efficiency and help the plant adapt to stressful conditions. Also, during root development and flowering, Silex can contribute to healthy growth and increased yield.
Preventing Fungal Growth
Silex is also effective in preventing fungal growth, especially during the flowering period. Fungi such as powdery mildew and Botrytis cinerea can cause serious damage to flowers and fruits. By strengthening the epidermis, Silex helps minimize these risks and protect the plant from infections.
