AgSil 16h Unavailable? Here’s How to Use AgSil 25 Instead

Introduction to AgSil 16h Shortage

The agricultural industry is currently experiencing a temporary shortage of AgSil 16h fertilizer due to a raw material supply issue. Certis, the manufacturer, has announced that AgSil 16h will be unavailable for approximately 4-5 months starting March 2025. During this period, farmers and growers need a reliable alternative to maintain crop health and productivity. AgSil 25 offers a viable replacement, providing essential silicon and potassium to support plant growth. This blog post explores the benefits of AgSil 25 and offers detailed guidance on how to effectively use it in various agricultural applications.

Understanding AgSil 25 as a Replacement

AgSil 25 emerges as a promising substitute for AgSil 16h. It offers a guaranteed analysis of 21% Silica (SiO2) and 8% Potassium (K2O), derived from Potassium Silicate. These components are critical for plant growth and health. Unlike its predecessor, AgSil 25 is a liquid and provides a 100% available source of silicon and potassium essential for optimum plant growth and health. This makes it a highly effective option for growers seeking to maintain or enhance their crop yields during the shortage.

Application Methods for AgSil 25

AgSil 25 can be applied through various methods, including ground, aerial, and irrigation systems, as well as in hydroponic settings. When integrating silicon fertilizers into fertigation or hydroponic systems, it should be the first input diluted into the working strength solution. This ensures proper mixing and effectiveness. In hydroponics and soilless greenhouse media, it is beneficial to supply a constant low level of soluble silicon in the fertigation feed to support plant growth consistently.

Suggested Dosage for Continuous Liquid Feeding Programs

Custom Hydro advises adding 0.47 mL (0.634 grams) of AgSil 25 to each gallon of nutrient solution. This ensures an accurate delivery of 16.33 mg/L (ppm) of silicon (Si) and 11 mg/L (ppm) of potassium (K), which are crucial for improving plant vigor, stress tolerance, and nutrient assimilation. This amount replaces the need for 0.25 grams per gallon of AgSil 16h.

Integrating AgSil 25 with Automated Systems

For growers using automated systems, integrating AgSil 25 can enhance efficiency and ensure consistent application. Soluble silicon, such as that in AgSil 25, should be constantly maintained in low concentrations for effective root uptake. This ensures plants have continuous access to plant-available silicon necessary for their development. Automation systems can streamline this process, allowing for precise application rates and consistency across the growing environment.

When preparing concentrated stock solutions for use with automated injection systems, it's important to follow specific guidelines. First, ensure that the pH of the starting solution is raised above 11.3 with potassium hydroxide. This will prevent precipitation and cloudiness, which can interfere with the effectiveness of the silicon solution. Use distilled or deionized water to create the concentrated solution, and keep the solution covered to avoid carbon dioxide absorption, which can lower the pH and destabilize the solution.

Automated systems should be set up with a dedicated injector for AgSil 25. This injector should be the first in the series, ensuring that the silicon is thoroughly mixed before any other fertilizers are added. A constant low level of soluble silicon should be supplied in the fertigation feed to support continuous plant growth. Using a mixing chamber after the silicon injector can help achieve complete dilution and prevent compatibility issues with other fertilizers.

Regular maintenance and monitoring of automated systems are crucial to ensure the consistent delivery of silicon to the plants. Adjust the injection rates as needed based on plant requirements and growing conditions to maintain optimal silicon levels throughout the growing cycle.

Best Practices and Recommendations

When using AgSil 25, adhering to best practices is key to achieving optimal results. It is important to keep concentrated solutions of potassium silicate separate from other concentrated fertilizer solutions. This prevents issues like precipitation, cloudiness, and polymerization. Ensuring the solution's pH remains above 11.3 is also crucial for stability. Covering stock solutions can help prevent carbon dioxide absorption, which can lower pH and lead to cloudiness. Regular monitoring and adjustments can further ensure the integrity and effectiveness of AgSil 25 applications.

Conclusion and Looking Ahead

Switching to AgSil 25 during the AgSil 16h shortage benefits growers. AgSil 25 supplies crucial silicon and potassium for plant health and works with different application techniques. Keep updated on AgSil 16h availability to adapt plans. Apply AgSil 25 using recommended practices to sustain crop yield and operational efficiency. For smaller needs, growers can opt for Sil-Matrix available in 2.5-gallon containers.