Does silica kill beneficials?
- Thread starter mycomaster
- Start date
SupraSPL
Well-Known Member
I use a lot of granular diatomaceous earth in my soil mix instead of perlite. In its dry powder form it is a mechanical pesticide for crawling insects due to sharp edges and desiccation. Hyroot pointed out when it is wet it loses its killing mojo, which is a good thing IMO because I like my soil mites, springtails, pot worms etc. Free insect frass.
Napa sells granular freshwater DE
Napa sells granular freshwater DE
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Ummm, GH says, silica and beneficials dont mix...
http://gb.eurohydro.com/mineral_magic.html
Any input on that?
http://gb.eurohydro.com/mineral_magic.html
Any input on that?
greasemonkeymann
Well-Known Member
damn tootin!
good advice, and why I ALWAYS advocate greensand, also, it's SAND so it sorta doubles as a aeration component to your mix as well.
More importantly greensand supplies a BUNCH of micros to your plant, it's almost the mineral equivalent to kelp meal.
think about it... both form the ocean, both acquire their micros and minerals from the water...
Yes it take a bit to be available, but make your compost or soil correctly the first time, sorta like a foundation, and your plants will have absolutely every little trace element/mineral/nutrient that it could ever need.
Plus a lil goes a long way, I've bought a total of one box of greensand in my life.
Add a lil langbeinite, maybe a lil gypsum, some rock phosphates, and some oyster flour, and you are golden on your minerals.
I will never have a mix without greensand.
The fact that it has potassium is like icing on the cake too.
Pattahabi
Well-Known Member
From their site:
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
MINERAL MAGIC AND MICRO-ORGANISMS
In hydroponics, avoid using Mineral Magic with the micro-organisms (BM & SubCulture). It is counterproductive since in water, silicate dissolves into silicic acid, which slows the development of beneficial colonies.
Conversely in soil, when mixed in powder form, the large range of elements included in Mineral Magic stimulates the growth of beneficial micro-organisms, and helps create a natural environment for extremely healthy plants.
P-
The question is, is mineral magic potassium silicate or not...hmmm...I'm still in doubt if I can use Liquid Silicone with beneficials or not (HYDRO, RDWC)
Can anyone give a definitive answer?
Thank you
I prefer Fasilitor from Aptus.
It is silica in silicic acid form with the addition of Boron and Molybdenum
Im seeing results like within a day or two after application.
Also keeps plants from stretching when using double dose.
Normal usage is 3ml/5gallons which is one of the many reasons i love this product.
It is silica in silicic acid form with the addition of Boron and Molybdenum
Im seeing results like within a day or two after application.
Also keeps plants from stretching when using double dose.
Normal usage is 3ml/5gallons which is one of the many reasons i love this product.
sloppyseconds
Member
See what nutrients do and dont do for yourself just get microscope!
NaturalFarmer
Well-Known Member
I use rice hull ash in combination with composting rice hull in my mix.
Here is a good article on Si
Silicon uptake and accumulation in higher plants
http://www.gaiagreen.com/images/download/21019928.pdf
Here is a good article on Si
Silicon uptake and accumulation in higher plants
http://www.gaiagreen.com/images/download/21019928.pdf
Will npk raw silica kill beneficial microbes
Rurumo
Well-Known Member
nope, not to worry, silica is fine
xtsho
Well-Known Member
No but there are better sources of silica instead of paying $15 for 2 oz of that overpriced RAW stuff. Crazy markups for inexpensive and easily sourced salts. $10 for 2 oz of ammonium sulfate. They're a joke. I don't care if that Harley dude is shilling for them.
If you want to use a silica product there are better sources than that overpriced stuff.
NewGrower2011
Well-Known Member
I would expect the harm from any silica additive would be if it throws your pH way out of range.
Also someone mentioned Napa carrying the DE, they also have a Montmorillonite Clay that they sell as an oil absorbent (special order). I believe it's also good for a silica source and other benefits - can be substituted for Turface, etc. There's also some kitty litter brands that are montmorillonite clay based available at Walmart iirc.
Also someone mentioned Napa carrying the DE, they also have a Montmorillonite Clay that they sell as an oil absorbent (special order). I believe it's also good for a silica source and other benefits - can be substituted for Turface, etc. There's also some kitty litter brands that are montmorillonite clay based available at Walmart iirc.
Thanks.but 200 gallons for about 15 dollars doesn't bother me
Imo I'd use cheap silica and just buy a bag of tm-7 instead but that's just me. You'll probably get the same effect for like 1/3 the price. Not saying aptus isn't good shit just trying to save you a couple bucks.