THCFarmer.com
121,293 Members Log In Register
Log In Register

Using Silica - what's the real scoop? Contradictory info everywhere

  • Thread starter Thread starter phxazcraig
  • Start date Start date
  • Tagged users Tagged users None

Using Silica - what's the real scoop? Contradictory info everywhere

phxazcraig 157 Replies 58,538 Views
Page 2 of 8 · Replies 21–40 of 158
#22
I've been thinking about mixing it in to the soil. I have potassium silicate. It was a once a week feed early on. Stalks got real woody.

Then I hear that potassium silicate takes a while to break down to usable nutrients. So I figure add it into my soil mix.

Same thing? What should I measure in? A blind dump?
 
#23
Ponky said:
Discontinuing use of Silica didn't effect yield. Aroma and taste unaffected. Seemingly no apparent difference.
Click to expand...
Im same mate.ive seen no visible difference using it or not, still had weak branching using it ..probably the only difference that insects cant penetrate the cells as much but whose to know .my yields and quality of smoke are unaffected also..
 
#25
E9noxis said:
I've been thinking about mixing it in to the soil.

What should I measure in? A blind dump?
Click to expand...
That's what I did. Threw about half a bag into my soil. I did it originally to help prevent pests, but have stronger stems this run, noticably stronger. I'm thinking it's the DE breaking down and supplying silicon..
 
#26
NorthernOrganics said:
I mixed diatomaceous earth(silicon dioxide) in my soil this time. I made my mix and let it cook for a few weeks. This run has noticably stronger stems. Nothing scientific about my findings, but it is stark difference. Much stronger/thicker stems.
Click to expand...
How did your soil ph react before and after amending?
 
#27
Only tested it once, about three weeks after I mixed it up. 6.8 or 7. Has plenty of lime in it.
 
#28
NorthernOrganics said:
That's what I did. Threw about half a bag into my soil. I did it originally to help prevent pests, but have stronger stems this run, noticably stronger. I'm thinking it's the DE breaking down and supplying silicon..
Click to expand...
Can you be more specific on your ratio of soil to DiaE? Thanks, Chip
 
#29
Ponky said:
Discontinuing use of Silica didn't effect yield. Aroma and taste unaffected. Seemingly no apparent difference.
Click to expand...
Almost started thread on this but I’m doing better searching for similar threads first. Did you see any difference in leaf or stem structure at all? I always want to use the bottle sitting on my shelf but I just haven’t for some reason. I value when experienced growers spit the truth.
 
#30
Johnlandy420 said:
Almost started thread on this but I’m doing better searching for similar threads first. Did you see any difference in leaf or stem structure at all? I always want to use the bottle sitting on my shelf but I just haven’t for some reason. I value when experienced growers spit the truth.
Click to expand...
I did not. I think my municipal supply already has plenty of Silica. I've tried it in hydroponic DWC. ProMix. And Sunshine. Others do swear by it. No perceptible difference that I could tell. Perhaps a psychological belief the pot was smoother but nothing tangible.
 
#32
I justvadded 1 cup of potassium silicate into approx 20 gallons of my soil mix
 
#33
I started using a product by Alchemist called stout msa, it’s a readily available form of silica to the plant vs something that requires a slow breakdown. This was to combat high temperatures in my environment that were beyond my control last summer. I also started using kelp extract also for the same reason. Both of these additions were to help minimize heat stress. From what I understand kelp helps at a cellular level in the root zone and attacks certain fungus disease, and silica strengthens cel walls to allow better water retention.
I did see hardier stems as a result of this addition, and didn’t lose any plants to high heat, so I guess that it worked.
 
#34
Imo silica doesn’t effect quality or yield unless it’s improving plant health. Similar to other nutrients where adding more is only beneficial if there is a deficiency related to actual lack of.

what it does do is noticeably increase leaf cuticle thickness, stem strength and harden bud tissue. So it’s only going to benefit you if you feel those are beneficial to you.

better resistance to heat, water, light stress. Better resistance to pests, bacterial fungal and mold infections. It basically thickens the cell walls.

buds can become grinder busters and rock hard if used to harvest. Some see this as a good thing especially common in many dispensary products. Personally after stretch I don’t see a need for it.

just my 0.02 cents
 
#37
I’ve been using this brand and I noticed that my stems are now like little tree trunks. I’m not sure if it effected my bud size but it definitely works.
 

Attachments

  • F02C7400-2589-492A-B53D-BFDEABB54A61.jpeg
    F02C7400-2589-492A-B53D-BFDEABB54A61.jpeg
    98 KB · Views: 122
#39
dbrzz said:
View attachment 1235267View attachment 1235267 I use this as the foyer spray during the vegetation process only, then discontinue during flower period.View attachment 1235268View attachment 1235268View attachment 1235267 Cheap and works well!!
Click to expand...
Agreed unless like in my case I use potassium silicate as a ph buffer and the both are beneficial to the plants. Some ofIy is transform and not silicon dioxide that is the form in which plants absorb it.

silicon dioxide cannot be used as a buffer and is ph neutralish, which is beneficial if not looking for a buffer
 
Page 2 of 8 · Replies 21–40 of 158
Back
Top Bottom