Name |
Sodium Silicate Liquid
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Description |
Sodium Silicate Liquid is a highly versatile and soluble source of plant-available silicon, crucial for enhancing crop health and resilience in agricultural settings. While silicon is abundant in soils, its plant-available form, Ortho Silicic Acid, is often limited. Sodium Silicate – Liquid, when applied, gradually converts to plant-available forms, allowing for efficient uptake by plant roots. It acts as a beneficial element, strengthening plant structures and bolstering natural defense mechanisms against various biotic and abiotic stresses, making it an invaluable addition to sustainable farming practices. |
Specification |
- Active Ingredients: Sodium Silicate (various ratios of SiO2:Na2O are available, typically 2.0-3.5)
- Formulation: Clear, viscous liquid
- pH: Highly alkaline, typically >11 (requires careful handling and pH adjustment for agricultural use)
- Density: Varies by concentration and ratio, typically 1.30 – 1.60 g/cm³
- Solubility: Miscible with water, forming an alkaline solution.
- SiO2 Content: Varies by product, typically 25-35%
- Na2O Content: Varies by product, typically 8-15%
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Benefits |
- Strengthens Plant Cell Walls: Leads to improved stem rigidity and leaf erectness, reducing lodging in crops like rice and wheat and allowing for better light interception.
- Enhanced Pest and Disease Resistance: Forms a physical barrier within plant tissues, making plants more resistant to piercing-sucking insects (e.g., aphids, mites) and fungal pathogens (e.g., powdery mildew, rusts, blast).
- Increased Abiotic Stress Tolerance: Helps plants mitigate the adverse effects of environmental stresses such as drought, heat, cold, and salinity by improving water retention and osmotic regulation.
- Improved Nutrient Uptake and Efficiency: Can enhance the absorption of other essential nutrients, particularly phosphorus, and can help alleviate toxicity from heavy metals (e.g., aluminum, manganese) in acidic soils.
- Reduced Water Loss: Contributes to a thicker cuticle, reducing transpiration and improving water use efficiency, which is critical in water-stressed regions.
- Improved Photosynthesis: By promoting erect leaves and healthier plant architecture, it facilitates more efficient light capture for photosynthesis.
- Higher Yield and Quality: Overall healthier, more resilient plants translate to improved yields and better quality produce. The application of Sodium Silicate – Liquid is a strategic investment in crop health.
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Application |
Sodium Silicate – Liquid can be applied in several ways, keeping its alkaline nature in mind:
- Soil Drench/Irrigation: Most common method. Dilute extensively with water and apply to the soil around the plant root zone or via drip irrigation systems. Important: pH adjustment of the final solution might be necessary depending on crop and irrigation water pH.
- Foliar Spray: Less common due to high pH, but possible with extreme dilution and careful monitoring. A very dilute solution can be sprayed on leaves, but caution is advised to prevent leaf burn.
- Hydroponics/Soilless Media: Can be incorporated into nutrient solutions, but constant pH monitoring and adjustment are critical.
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Time |
- Early Vegetative Growth: Crucial for building strong foundational plant structures.
- Stress Periods: Apply before or during anticipated environmental stresses (drought, heat, salinity) or periods of high pest/disease pressure.
- Throughout the Growing Season: Regular, smaller applications are often more effective than single large doses, especially for crops with a long growing cycle. The specific timing for Sodium Silicate Liquid should align with crop development stages where silicon benefits are most pronounced.
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Precaution |
- Highly Alkaline: Sodium Silicate – Liquid is strongly alkaline (high pH). Always handle with extreme care.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Always wear chemical-resistant gloves, eye protection (safety goggles/face shield), and protective clothing to prevent skin and eye contact.
- Ventilation: Use in a well-ventilated area.
- Mixing: Always add Sodium Silicate Liquid slowly to water, never water to the concentrate, to avoid heat generation. Stir continuously.
- Compatibility: Do not mix with acid or pesticides directly without prior compatibility testing (jar test), as it can react violently or precipitate.
- Storage: Store in original, tightly sealed containers in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, acids, and food products. Keep out of reach of children and unauthorized personnel.
- Disposal: Dispose of product and container in accordance with local, national, and international regulations.
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Shelf Life |
Under proper storage conditions (sealed in original container, cool and dry place), the shelf life for Sodium Silicate Liquid is typically 12-24 months from the date of manufacturing, depending on the specific product formulation and concentration. |
Packaging |
- 200 Liters / 200 Kg HDPE Drum
- Customizable as per client/manufacturer/trader requirement (e.g., 5L, 20L, 50L containers, IBC totes for larger volumes).
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Note |
Disclaimer – This post contains general information only and does not constitute professional advice. Always read the product label for complete directions, application rates, safety precautions, and storage information. |