Plants are capable of obtaining silicon in the form of soluble monosilicic acid, an uncharged particle known as Plant Available Silicon (PAS). The solubility of quartz is not as great as amorphous silica or diatomaceous earth, the latter being more easily soluble. Utilizing Perma-Guard diatomaceous earth (PAS) encourages better growth and resistance to diseases, along with an improved capacity to tolerate environmental pressures.

Si is capable of changing the chemical and biological properties of the soil, resulting in a multitude of advantages such as diminishing leaching of phosphorous (P) and potassium (K), decreasing the absorption of aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and other heavy metals, improved microbial action, greater stability of soil organic matter, enhanced soil texture, improved water holding capacity and reduced losses, improved stability against soil erosion, and heightened cation exchange capacity (CEC).