Although silicon is the second most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, its vital role in strengthening plants and supporting sustainable yields is often underestimated in agricultural practice. Scientific research has repeatedly demonstrated its value, yet many growers still overlook it. Haifa provides advanced silicon formulations that translate this knowledge into practical solutions, empowering crops to achieve better health and higher productivity.
Silicon in Plants
The benefits of silicon nutrition can be grouped into three main categories: physiological, mechanical, and soil-related.
Physiological benefits
Silicon fortifies plant defense systems, making crops more resistant to pathogens and insect pests. It enhances the uptake of key nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, and calcium, helping plants maintain balance under stress. Silicon also mitigates drought damage, counteracts phosphorus deficiency, regulates nitrogen and phosphorus uptake, and alleviates toxicity from heavy metals like cadmium, arsenic, and aluminum.
Mechanical benefits
Silicon deposition strengthens plant cell walls and tissues, improving structural integrity. This provides greater resistance to wind, heavy rain, and other mechanical stress, while reducing lodging – the bending or collapse of stems that can significantly affect yields.
Soil-related benefits
In the soil, silicon improves phosphorus availability and supports long-term fertility. By optimizing the soil–plant interface, it enhances overall crop resilience and yield stability.
Recognizing these advantages, the Association of American Plant Food Control Officials (AAPFCO) has classified silicon as a beneficial substance for plants.
Haifa's Silicon Products
Haifa Group offers specialty products that supply silicon in the form of ortho-silicic acid – the most plant-available form. These solutions ensure rapid absorption and proven agronomic benefits, and can be used in a wide range of crops: arable crops, fruit trees, vegetables in open fields and greenhouses, and hydroponics.
- HaifaStim™ Wall-Up and Wall-Up S – concentrated silicon formulations for fertigation and foliar application, designed to enhance plant strength, stress tolerance, and resilience.
- Poly-Feed™ Stim ARMOR – a range of balanced foliar NPK formulas enriched with silicon, providing both complete nutrition and structural protection.
Trials and field experience worldwide consistently show the positive effects of these products on crop performance and yield.
Conclusion
Silicon is far more than a “beneficial element” – it is a strategic input for modern, sustainable farming. By improving nutrient uptake, enhancing resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and contributing to soil health, silicon plays a crucial role in maximizing productivity. With Haifa’s innovative formulations, growers can efficiently integrate silicon into their nutrition programs, ensuring healthier crops and consistently higher yields.
