Silicon is a beneficial plant nutrient found in soil, but is not found in hydroponic nutrient solutions. Silicon strengthens plant cell walls and acts as a barrier against water loss, cold damage, fungal infections, and insect and mite attacks.
Growth Technology (GT) Silica is a concentrated mixture of silicic acid and potassium hydroxide designed to provide plants with the essential nutrient, silicon. It will not only help with the addition of silicon to hydroponic solutions, but can also be used when watering plants in soil. Over time plant-available silicon is depleted from the soil, and so adding it to your watering regime can be very beneficial to the health of your plants.
When added to hydroponic nutrient solutions at a rate of 1ml per liter of nutrient solution, GT Silicon provides a concentration of 20ppm silicon, the recommended level for hydroponic systems.
It is important to note that GT Silicon is very alkaline, and may affect the pH of the nutrient solution. Always check the pH after silicon has been added to the tank and adjust if necessary. With regular use of GT Silicon, plants can increase resistance to pathogens, which results in healthier and stronger growth.
GT Silicon should be handled with care. Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling the concentrated mixture, store it in a locked cupboard away from children, and dilute with water before adding to the nutrient tank (it will precipitate if added directly to a nutrient solution, which will affect its availability to the plants).
