Making silicon fertilizer involves processing silicon-containing compounds into forms that plants can readily absorb. Based on one specific production technique, liquid silicon fertilizer containing various nutrients can be created through a multi-step process.
Production Technique Overview
This particular method focuses on dissolving key ingredients, including a source of silicon, and combining them with other beneficial plant nutrients and chelating agents. The goal is to produce a liquid fertilizer solution that delivers silicon along with essential trace elements and other compounds.
Step-by-Step Process
The production technique for this type of liquid silicon fertilizer comprises the following key steps:
- Dissolving Solid Potassium Metasilicate: Begin by dissolving solid potassium metasilicate in water. Potassium metasilicate (K₂SiO₃) serves as the primary source of soluble silicon and potassium in the fertilizer.
- Dissolving Trace Element Sulfates and Adding EDTA: Separately, dissolve sulfates of various trace elements (like zinc sulfate, manganese sulfate, etc.) in water. Then, add EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid) into this mixture. EDTA is a chelating agent that binds to the trace elements, preventing them from reacting with other components in the solution and making them more available for plant uptake. This step results in the chelate of the EDTA trace elements.
- Combining and Adding Other Components: Combine the dissolved potassium metasilicate solution with the chelated trace element solution. Into this mixture, add boric acid, ammonium molybdate, urea, and fulvic acid.
- Boric Acid: Provides boron, an essential micronutrient.
- Ammonium Molybdate: Provides molybdenum, another essential micronutrient.
- Urea: A source of nitrogen, a macronutrient crucial for plant growth.
- Fulvic Acid: A natural organic compound that can improve nutrient uptake, soil structure, and microbial activity.
These components are carefully mixed and processed to create the final liquid silicon fertilizer product.
Why These Ingredients?
- Potassium Metasilicate: Provides silicon (often absorbed as silicic acid) which strengthens plant cell walls, improving resistance to pests, diseases, and environmental stress. It also supplies potassium, vital for various plant functions.
- Chelated Trace Elements: Ensures micronutrients like zinc, manganese, etc., remain soluble and available to plants across different soil pH levels.
- Boric Acid & Ammonium Molybdate: Supply crucial micronutrients required in small quantities for healthy plant development.
- Urea: Provides a readily available nitrogen source for vegetative growth.
- Fulvic Acid: Enhances nutrient delivery and overall plant health.
By combining these elements, the resulting fertilizer offers a blend of macro and micronutrients designed to support robust plant growth and enhance resilience, with silicon playing a key structural and protective role.
