Silicon Deficiency

• Silicon chips are the basis of modern electronics and computing
• Silicon is alloyed with aluminum for use in engines because the presence of silicon improves metal's castability
• Silicon carbide is extremely hard and used in abrasives
• Silica in sand is used to make concrete and bricks

• Silicon= (Si)
• Available to plants in the form of Silicic Acid, H4SiO4

• Tends to be alkaline in nature
• Measurement information varies from 9 to 11

• Makes up 27.7% of the Earth's crust
• Second most abundant element on the planet (oxygen first, then aluminum third)
• Usually found in the form of silicon dioxide (quartz) and other more complex silicate minerals
• Principal component of many meteorites, and also a component of obsidian and tektites
• Extracted  from solid silica or other silicon compounds by molten salt electrolysis

• A micronutrient 
• A non - essential nutrient for most plants - yet, known in field crops to affect plant growth and quality, photosynthesis, transpiration and enhance plant resistances to drought
• Deposited in cell walls and contributes to its mechanical properties including rigidity and elasticity 
• Increases flower and stem sizes 
• Accelerates flowering
• Improves resistance to stresses including drought

• Soft and droopy leaves
• Increased occurrence of disease
• Reduction in number of panicles and filled spikelets per panicle
• Smaller grain yield in rice production

• Contained in soil water, it is available to plants through the soil
• Apply by drenching with soluble potassium silicate
• Apply by incorporating into media 
• Considerations when applying: Since it is rather low in solubility it tends to have quite a bit of interaction with water molecules when dissolved in water. Also, silicic acid is the reactive form of silicon dioxide dissolved in water.