Sustainable agricultural models and food scarcity have long-standing importance, and silica nanoparticles may play an important role to that end. A third protective measure is the ability to entice its predators. One is that the composition of the plant itself becomes less palatable.Ī second is that the molecular structure is such that it becomes less digestible. Silica creates a protective measure against animals, bacteria, and fungi in a couple of ways. Silica Improves the Resistance to Biotic Stress in Plants Leaves of plants with silica exposure also contain higher amounts of chlorophyll. This is partially because of the release of antioxidant enzymes that assuage oxidative stress. Silica seems to promote an alkalizing effect in metal-heavy soil, thereby decreasing the concentration in the soil. Longer roots help to extract water from the soil while the epidermis of the leaves helps to retain some of the water loss that occurs during transpiration. Stronger stems help keep plants sturdy in wind and rain. However, with the introduction of an abiotic stressor such as drought, heat, or salt, the results are positive. In perfect conditions, the silica’s effect may be latent.
Silica produces a complex reaction in the physiology of plants that creates a dynamic interplay between plant metabolism and cell wall structure. Silica Improves the Resistance to Abiotic Stress for Plants ⦁ The promising role of silica nanoparticles on plants Although silica is considered a quasi-essential nutrient for most plants, these studies found several critical benefits from its inclusion. Many peer-reviewed, scientific studies have been done in recent years to determine the effects of silica on plant growth. While the most significant benefits have been tied to accumulator plants, even non-accumulator plants like tomatoes have demonstrated positive responses to silica’s use in fertilization and growth mediums. These categories describe the extent to which silica is accumulated in the plant’s tissue.Īccumulators have the highest rates of accumulation. Plants can be categorized into three types in terms of their relation to silica: accumulators, intermediaries, and non-accumulators. ⦁ Silica absorbs moisture in everything from food packets to shoe boxes and dirty laundry to toolboxes.
⦁ Silica is a trace mineral integral to the structure and functional integrity of connective tissue, and it is a common health supplement that aids in the development of strong bones, skin, and nails.
⦁ Silica is used in multiple industries from construction to chemicals to glass and in common products such as paint, plastic, and rubber. You’d be surprised at what silica is used in, like paint, rubber, and plastic. By changing its shape to suit different purposes, it can be combined with other materials to give them new properties. Silica has become an incredibly useful material across many different industries, from technology to construction and even agriculture.