Silicon is one of the most common chemical elements in planet (27,7% of weight), only exceeded by Oxygen. In natural state, this element (symbolized in period schedule as Si), can take crystalized or shapeless form, with a bluish and greish tone and metal brightness. Today we will talk about benefits of using Silicon growing cannabis, when and how to add it to our plants to get maximum benefits.

Silicon origin

This mineral form from volcano ashes, is used in farming (organic and non-organic) to increase yields, for a very low cost.

Previous studies

Being an element widely used for years, many studies have demonstrated that in presence of Silicon, plants are less susceptible to suffer from stress. It is logic, because the quantities of Silicon present in plants can be closer to other elements like phosphorus, calcium or magnesium.

Benefits of Silicon for cannabis

If our cannabis plants get enough amount of Silicon, this will be stored in cell-walls, what not only increases stems' resistance and strength, it also helps cut down leaves' drehydration. Hydroponic growers know the benefits of avoiding fungal development, besides some common green algae in medium's surface (combination of light and moisture).

In stress situations (like high temps. or drought) Silicon helps plants reducing its breathability, what actually helps (specially along hottests months of summer outdoors, and when indoor temperatures are too high). Adding to every feeding products like Aptus Regulator, Raw Solubles Silica, Biotabs Silicium Flash or putting some Mineral Magic in the surface of the medium, we can prevent in a very efficient way dehydration of plants, besides strengthening its stems and branches, what will derive in healthier plants, able to improve its growing ratio, and its final yields. Partially this is also due Silcion acts as cannabis internal process regulator, producing an improvement in the use of nutrients, in addition to other factors.

Studies also demonstrate that a Silicon source improves self-defense mechanisms, making them stronger to foreign attacks.

silicon marijuana

Use of Si to improve substrate

Add silicates, not only improves plant's healthy bringing wide benefits, it also helps improve substrate's life, so we are improving macro and micro nutrients uptake contained in medium. In addition it also acts as preventive against possible toxic nutrient-lock of elements like Zinc, Manganese, Iron, Copper, that could damage plants and tokers healthy.

In a previous post we talked about how to recycle soil, where we quoted the use of Silicon as a must element to recycle substrate for more than one cycle (we aim you to read the article).

When should be add Silicon

As we previously said, Silicon can be helpful in multiple cases, and if you have never used it before, we strongly recommend to use it, and see the difference (even in cases where there isn't any stress, nor pathology), Sourcing a small amount of Silicon from early stages of growth will improve plant's health, what will reward you with an increased yield, being a natural element, for a very low cost budget.

If this information was interesting for you, do not hesitate to share this link and help other growers know more about Silicon benefits.

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