Potassium silicate liquid fertilizer, as a new type of fertilizer that integrates nutrient supply and biological stimulation functions, is becoming a research hotspot in the field of agricultural science and technology due to its outstanding performance in enhancing crop resilience, improving soil quality, and improving product quality.
The concept of potassium silicate liquid fertilizer
Potassium silicate liquid fertilizer is a water-soluble liquid fertilizer with potassium silicate as the main component. According to its form, it can be divided into two major categories: quick-release type and slow-release type. The quick-release type potassium silicate liquid fertilizer usually exists in the form of monomeric silicate ions (H₃SiO₄⁻ or H₂SiO₄²⁻), and the solution is alkaline (pH > 11). The silicon element exists in a highly soluble and easily absorbable form. The slow-release type/stable type potassium silicate liquid fertilizer of this product is formed by specific chemical modification or by adding chelating agents and stabilizers to encapsulate the silicate molecules within organic molecules (such as citric acid, sorbitol, etc.) or complexes, resulting in relatively stable oligosilicic acid or organic silicon complexes. The solution pH is usually close to neutral or weakly alkaline.
The mechanism of action of potassium silicate liquid fertilizer
1. Physical barrier strengthening mechanism
Potassium silicate promotes the deposition of silicon on the plant’s surface, significantly thickening the cell wall and forming a “physical barrier” structure. This silicified cell wall can effectively resist the invasion of pathogens and insect feeding, while making the plant stems and leaves straight, reducing shading, enhancing leaf photosynthesis, facilitating ventilation and light penetration, and enhancing the plant’s resistance to lodging. Research shows that the strength of the stems of crops treated with potassium silicate liquid fertilizer increases by more than 30%, and the lodging rate is significantly reduced.
2. Physiological Metabolism Regulation Mechanism
At the physiological level, potassium silicate can maintain the stability of stomatal conductance, reduce water loss under drought conditions, and simultaneously enhance photosynthetic efficiency and promote CO₂ fixation. Experimental results show that the treated crops have a 20%-30% increase in potassium ion absorption efficiency in saline-alkali soil. In addition, potassium silicate can also promote the growth and development of crop root systems, prevent root rot and premature aging, and establish a healthier rhizosphere microecosystem.
The application effect of potassium silicate liquid fertilizer
Potassium silicate liquid fertilizer has a significant yield-increasing effect and quality-improving effect on various crops. Large-scale multi-site experiments have proved that when applied to soils deficient in potassium and silicon, rice yields increase by 15-25%, peanuts by 15-35%, corn by 10-20%, wheat by 10-15%, sugarcane by about 25%, sweet potatoes by 30-40%, and vegetables by more than 25%. Potassium silicate liquid fertilizer not only promotes crop growth but also improves and enhances quality, especially in crops that are sensitive to chlorine such as tobacco, vegetables, fruit trees, sugarcane, and in crops that are fond of potassium and silicon such as peanuts, rice, wheat, cotton, and sweet potatoes.
Potassium silicate liquid fertilizer has a significant effect in alleviating biological and non-biological stress in crops. It can enhance the crop’s resistance to drought, salinity, extreme temperatures and other adverse conditions, and also improve its defense against pests and diseases. This stress-resistance improvement mechanism includes the formation of physical barriers as well as the regulation of physiological metabolism within the crop, such as enhancing antioxidant enzyme activity and regulating endogenous hormone levels.
Application methods of potassium silicate liquid fertilizer
The effect of potassium silicate liquid fertilizer is significantly influenced by the application timing, dosage and environmental factors. Generally, it is recommended to start applying in the early stage of the crop growth season, with an appropriate application concentration of 0.5-2 mM. The application strategies should be adjusted according to different soil conditions. For example, in acidic soil, it is necessary to adjust the pH value to avoid possible precipitation or fixation problems. When applied to paddy crops such as rice, the “drip application” technique can be used, applying in a timely manner at the water inlet to ensure uniform diffusion throughout the paddy field. For dryland crops, it can be applied through water-fertilizer integrated systems such as drip irrigation or sprinkler irrigation, or through foliar spraying, but concentration control must be paid attention to to avoid application during high-temperature periods.
Potassium silicate liquid fertilizer, as a representative product of the transformation of traditional fertilizers towards higher efficiency, environmental friendliness and multi-functionality, will play an increasingly important role in sustainable agricultural development. It not only provides essential nutrient elements, but also enhances crop resilience, improves soil health, and increases resource utilization efficiency, perfectly meeting the demands of modern agricultural development.
