![]() For some crops, silicon fertilization of soils increases crop yield even under favorable growing conditions and in the absence of disease. Besides a structural role, silicon may protect plants from insect attack, disease, and environmental stress by improving the plant's defense response. This high concentration of silicon in the plant contributes to plant mechanical strength. Many plant species, especially grasses, can take up silicon in amounts comparable to macronutrients. It is not classified as an essential element for most plants but horsetail (Equisetum) and some types of algae cannot survive without a supply of silicon from the environment. Silicon is beneficial to many crops when added to some soils as a fertilizer. Silicone refers to R 2SiO, where R is an organic group such as methyl, ethyl, or phenyl. Silicic acid or mono silicic acid (Si(OH) 4, or H 4SiO4) refers to the soluble, plant-available form of silicon in soils. Silicate refers to silicon compounds such as CaSiO 3, MgSiO 3, or K 2SiO 3. Silica, silicon dioxide, or SiO 2, are compounds with silicon and oxygen. Silicon (Si) is elemental silicon also known as the chemical element. Research conducted on New Jersey soils and in many places around the world have shown that applying supplemental silicon in a chemically available form can protect plant health and benefit crop production. Agronomists now recognize valuable functions of silicon nutrition in crops and soils, and even animal life. Until recently, this ubiquitous element was not given much attention as a possible limiting factor in soil fertility and crop production. The element makes up about 28% of mineral soil by weight. Silicon is a mineral present on earth in abundance.
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