Silicium

The term Silicium identifies the single atom of the element described by the formula / abbreviation Si. It is rarely present in soils in this pure form; mostly derives from silicate clay minerals, such as kaolinite (Al₂Si₂O₅(OH)₄) or from aluminosilicates such as potassium feldspar (KAlSi₃O₈). The predominant form in the soils is silicic acid, Si(OH)₄.
It has been shown that Silicium is absorbed by the roots as silicic acid and deposited as Silicium Oxide (SiO₂) in the cell walls of plants. Recently it has been demonstrated a clear active type transport of Silicium in rice through the ascending sap. In addition to determining a significant improvement in the photosynthetic capacity (with relative production of reserve carbohydrates and consequently other substances useful for plants) and in the antioxidant system of plants, this element favors a faster and stronger activation of the genetic defenses and enzymatic type within the considered species.

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