NPK Industries RAW Silica 45% Silicon Dioxide

NPK Industries RAW Silica is a concentrated, pH-neutral plant supplement containing 45% biogenic silicon dioxide. Its flowable powder formula supports stronger cell walls, sturdier stems and branches, improved structural resilience, and greater tolerance to challenging environmental conditions.

Unlike conventional liquid potassium silicate products, RAW Silica does not add potassium or substantially raise nutrient-solution pH. Some silica particles become available quickly, while others remain within the root zone for gradual release. The formula is suitable for soil, coco coir, hydroponic, living-soil, and foliar feeding programs throughout vegetative growth and flowering.

Key Benefits

• 45% silicon dioxide: Supplies a highly concentrated source of biogenic silica.
• Stronger plant structure: Supports reinforced cell walls, stalks, stems, and branches.
• Improved weight support: Helps plants develop the structural strength needed to support flowers and fruit.
• Environmental resilience: Supports tolerance to heat, drought, wind, salinity, and intense lighting.
• Water regulation: Helps plants manage moisture and maintain normal physiological function during stressful conditions.
• pH-neutral formula: Does not create the dramatic pH increase associated with many potassium silicate liquids.
• Potassium-free silica: Supplies silicon dioxide without changing the base fertilizer’s potassium analysis.
• Microbe-friendly: Compatible with beneficial microorganisms, living soils, and biologically active root zones.
• Dual availability: Includes particles that become available quickly and particles that remain for gradual root-zone release.
• Full-cycle application: Can be incorporated during vegetative growth and flowering.
• Flexible compatibility: Suitable for soil, coco coir, hydroponic, irrigation, and foliar programs.

Formula and Physical Characteristics

• Silicon dioxide: 45%
• Ingredient: Biogenic silicon dioxide
• Chemical designation: SiO₂
• Form: Flowable powder
• Solution behavior: Water-compatible suspension with partially dissolving and gradually available particles
• pH behavior: Neutral
• N-P-K contribution: Does not supply meaningful nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium
• Product type: Structural plant supplement and silica biostimulant

RAW Silica is a supplemental input and should be used alongside an appropriate base fertilizer. It does not provide complete plant nutrition.

How RAW Silica Differs From Potassium Silicate

Many liquid silica supplements are manufactured from potassium silicate. Those products can be highly alkaline, add potassium to the fertilizer program, and require careful mixing to prevent dramatic pH changes.

RAW Silica uses a biogenic silicon-dioxide source instead. It is formulated to remain pH neutral, does not add potassium, and is compatible with beneficial root-zone microorganisms.

Because it is a flowable powder rather than a conventional dissolved potassium silicate, some fine particles may remain suspended or settle over time. Agitation helps maintain even distribution in reservoirs and irrigation solutions.

How Silica Supports Plants

Plants deposit silica within and around cell walls, helping reinforce tissues and improve structural rigidity. This support can contribute to:

• Sturdier stalks and stems
• Stronger lateral branches
• Improved support for developing flowers and fruit
• More resilient leaves and plant surfaces
• Better tolerance to heat, drought, wind, and salinity
• Reduced moisture loss during environmental stress
• Improved overall plant durability

Silica is considered a beneficial plant element rather than a complete primary nutrient. Plant response varies by species, growing conditions, and the amount of naturally available silicon already present in the growing medium.

Application Rate

For root-zone irrigation or reservoir use:

• Standard Rate: Mix ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon per gallon of water.
• Initial Application: Begin at ⅛ teaspoon per gallon.
• Higher Rate: Increase toward ¼ teaspoon per gallon when additional structural or stress support is needed.
• Frequency: Apply as needed according to plant response and the applicable nutrient program.
• Growth Stage: Suitable during vegetative growth and flowering.
• Final Flush: Omit RAW Silica when following a nutrient-free flushing program.

A lower initial rate is recommended for seedlings, sensitive plants, recirculating systems, and unfamiliar crop varieties.

Recommended Mixing Instructions

1. Begin with clean water in the reservoir or mixing container.
2. Measure RAW Silica accurately.
3. Mix the powder into a small amount of water to create a thin, even slurry.
4. Add the slurry to the main water volume while stirring or circulating.
5. Allow the solution to mix thoroughly.
6. Add base nutrients and other compatible supplements separately.
7. Check the completed solution’s EC or PPM and pH.
8. Maintain circulation or periodically agitate the solution to keep particles evenly distributed.

Do not dry-mix RAW Silica with other fertilizer powders. Never combine it directly with undiluted nutrient concentrates. Add each product separately to water and mix thoroughly between additions.

Hydroponic and Reservoir Use

RAW Silica is compatible with hydroponic reservoirs, but it should be treated as a flowable suspension rather than a completely dissolved mineral salt.

Maintain adequate circulation and inspect the reservoir for settling. In systems using narrow emitters, fine filters, or small spray nozzles, confirm equipment compatibility before adding the product to a large reservoir.

Do not assume visible settling means the product has failed. The manufacturer states that some particles remain within the root zone and release gradually.

Soil and Coco Coir Use

In soil and coco coir, RAW Silica may be incorporated through routine irrigation. The flowable particles can remain in the growing medium, creating a continuing source of silica around plant roots.

Mix thoroughly before application so the powder is distributed evenly. Avoid pouring concentrated slurry into one small area of the container.

RAW Silica can be used with mineral fertilizers, organic-based nutrient programs, compost teas, and beneficial microbial inoculants when each input is properly diluted.

Using It With Beneficial Microbes

The biogenic, pH-neutral formulation is designed to be compatible with beneficial bacteria and fungi. Unlike highly alkaline potassium silicate concentrates, it is less likely to expose microbial inoculants to a sudden localized pH increase.

For best results:

1. Mix RAW Silica thoroughly into water.
2. Add and dilute the base fertilizer.
3. Confirm that the solution temperature and pH are appropriate.
4. Add microbial inoculants according to their label directions.

Never combine microbial products directly with concentrated fertilizer powders.

Foliar Application

The manufacturer lists RAW Silica as suitable for foliar programs. Because the current product page does not provide a universal foliar dilution rate, follow the package label or an official RAW foliar recipe.

Create a fine suspension, strain it when necessary for the sprayer being used, and test a small section of foliage before treating the entire crop. Apply under low-intensity lighting with adequate airflow.

Avoid spraying open flowers or produce intended for immediate harvest. Clean the sprayer thoroughly after use to prevent suspended particles from drying inside the nozzle.

Plant Stress, Pest, and Disease Expectations

Silica-reinforced tissues may support a plant’s natural physical resilience and make leaf surfaces more difficult for some pests or environmental stressors to damage.

RAW Silica is not a pesticide, fungicide, or disease treatment. It does not replace sanitation, environmental management, airflow, pest monitoring, or an appropriate disease-control program.

Growing Media and System Compatibility

RAW Silica is suitable for:

• Soil gardens
• Living-soil systems
• Coco coir
• Soilless growing media
• Hydroponic reservoirs
• Deep water culture
• Flood-and-drain systems
• Drip irrigation and fertigation
• Nutrient film technique
• Aeroponics when equipment compatibility is confirmed
• Regular hand-watering programs
• Manufacturer-approved foliar applications

Important Usage Notes

• RAW Silica contains 45% silicon dioxide.
• It is a flowable, water-compatible powder rather than a conventional liquid potassium silicate.
• Some particles may remain suspended or settle for gradual root-zone availability.
• Agitate or circulate the solution to maintain even distribution.
• Begin at the lower recommended rate.
• Confirm compatibility with fine emitters, filters, and spray nozzles.
• Do not dry-mix with other fertilizer powders.
• RAW Silica is pH neutral but final nutrient-solution pH should still be measured.
• “Biogenic” does not automatically mean certified organic.
• This product is not a pesticide, fungicide, or complete fertilizer.
• Store tightly sealed in a cool, dry location away from moisture and direct sunlight.
• Avoid breathing airborne powder and keep out of reach of children.