Silicate Solubilizing Liquid Biofertilizer

Silicate Solubilizing Bacteria (SSiB) are specialized microbes that dissolve insoluble silicates to release plant-available silicon (Si) and potassium (K⁺) through organic acid production. Formulated at 1x10⁸ cells/ml, they enhance crop strength, stress resilience, and nutrient efficiency.

Product Specifications

• CFU: 

  1x10⁸ cells/ml

• Active Content: Strains like Bacillus mucilaginosus, Enterobacter aerogenes, or Paenibacillus glucanolyticus

• Carrier: Dextrose powder (pH 6.5–8.0 for stability)

Usage Instructions

1. Dosage: 2 ltr/acre mixed with compost or 200 L water.

2. Timing: Apply pre-sowing; reapply at tillering/stem elongation stages.

3. Primary Action: Solubilizes feldspar, mica, and kaolinite to release Si(OH)₄ and K⁺.

4. Method:

   • Soil: Blend with silicate minerals (e.g., wollastonite) + FYM; broadcast.

   • Seeds: Treat with 20 ml/kg slurry (10% starch adhesive).

5. Frequency: 1–2 applications per season (avoid waterlogged soils).

6. Compatibility: Synergistic with KMB and PSB; avoid high-Ca amendments.

7. Activation: Requires silica-rich substrates; produces citric/oxalic acids.

8. Safety: Non-toxic to plants, soil fauna, or humans.

Suitable Crops

• Cereals: Rice (↑ stem strength, ↓ lodging), Wheat (↑ drought resistance)

• Sugarcane: ↑ Internode length, sucrose yield

• Cucurbits: Cucumber, Pumpkin (↓ powdery mildew susceptibility)

• Horticulture: Roses (↑ stem rigidity), Tomato (↓ fruit cracking)

• Others: Maize, Barley, Cotton

Storage Instructions

• Temperature: 15–25°C (avoid refrigeration or >30°C).

• Packaging: CAN

• Shelf Life: 8 months (bentonite carrier maintains viability).

• Precautions: Store in dark, dry conditions; discard if pH <6.0.

Key Advantage

Biogenic Silica Deposition:

• Enhances epidermal silicification, reducing pest damage (Chilo suppressalis in rice) by 40% and disease incidence (Blumeria graminis in wheat) by 60%

• Mobilizes 35–50 kg SiO₂/ha + 20–30 kg K⁺/ha from mineral reserves (ICAR-IISR data)

• Boosts drought tolerance via osmotic adjustment