Why Use Silicon on Turfgrass
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The practice of utilizing silicon in agriculture
has been expanding over the past several years as awareness of silicons exceptional
benefits gain widespread recognition. Already heavily used in the cultivation
of monocots, such as sugar cane and rice, it is also proving to a valuable nutrient
in the growth of most turfgrasses. St. Augustine and bermuda grass have both
been proven to readily absorb silicon, and as ongoing research at the University
of Florida, North Carolina State University, Penn State University, and Rutgers
University is demonstrating, the uptake of silicon is having very positive effects
on warm and cool season turfgrass varieties.
Silicon, when applied to the soil by incorporation
or over the top application, is absorbed readily by the grass and accumulates
within the soil tissue. Amassing throughout the plant, the plant becomes more
rigid and upright, hardens off more completely, increases the plants ability
to withstand stress, and develops an increased turgor pressure. The result is
a stronger more stress resistant plant. The benefit of silicon does not end there;
application of silicon has shown to increase leaf chlorophyll content, reinforce
strength of cell walls, mitigates nutrient imbalances and metal toxicity in plants
and increases phosphorous absorption.
Calcium silicate is also an excellent liming source
and its increased solubility helps add Calcium to the soil to offset the adverse
affects of salt accumulation.
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