Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
FIGURE 5.5
Silicate additive of potassium silicate to strengthen plant growth.
(Courtesy of GroTek, Langley, B.C., Canada.)
mycorrhizal root inoculants include both endo- and ectomycorrhizal fungi.
With an expanded root system in the presence of mycorrhizae, enhanced
nutrient and water uptake gives plants faster growth, higher yields, and
protects them against diseases and pests. Some manufacturers include bio-
stimulants such as sea kelp, humic acid, and vitamins C, B, and E with
the inoculants to ensure prolific colonization. These products are in liq-
uid, granular, or powder form that dissolves into water or nutrient solution.
Silicone is a plant element that is abundant in all soils but can be quite
low in many soilless media. Silicate additives containing potassium sili-
cate rectify this deficiency and increase plant resistance against pests and
diseases by strengthening plant cell walls resulting in a stronger plant that
resists insects, mildews, and fungi (Figure 5.5). It is added to the nutrient
solution or applied as a foliar spray.
If you wish to become more involved in the actual nutrition of the plants
you may make up your own formulations. However, to do so you need to
purchase and store some bags of fertilizers. Do you remember a little about
high school chemistry classes that perhaps bored you? Here is your chance
to apply it. We will use the chemical symbols for the various salts and
units of concentration as parts per million (ppm) or milligrams per liter
(mg/l). A general formulation and weights per 10-U.S.-gallon nutrient tank
are given in Table 5.1. You will need a triple-beam balance to weigh these
salts in gram units.
Table 5.1 includes only the macroelements. The weights are very small
for a 10-gallon tank, so you must use caution not to make a mistake in
