Farmers may lose silicon product benefits in SFI confusion

A company has highlighted confusion over the use of silicon biostimulants in the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme, which could result in farmers missing out on the benefits of using such products.

Among the SFI rules are strict restrictions on the use of chemical insecticides, seed dressings, nemacides, acaricides and silica insecticides.

However, this has caused some confusion with farms using silicon biostimulants.

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“The SFI guidelines clearly state that the use of silica insecticides is prohibited,” says agronomist Mike Stoker, from silicon specialist Orion Future Technologies.

“However, silicon biostimulants are allowed under the scheme and are fundamentally different in the way they work.”

He suggests greater clarity is needed to help farmers differentiate between silica insecticides and products that make silicon plant-available using monosilicic acid.

Chemical alternative

“Silica is a common alternative to chemical insecticides and it is not permitted under the SFI scheme.

“But the use of silicon biostimulants that make silicon plant-available and have the potential to alleviate abiotic stresses such as drought, salinity and heavy metal toxicity can still be used,” says Mike.

The use of silicon biostimulants also has the potential to increase yield by improving the plant’s ability to absorb not just silicon, but other nutrients from the soil.

“Helping plants to absorb more silicon strengthens the cell walls of the plant and helps root growth, which can lead to higher yields.

“The plant is also able to absorb other nutrients such as boron, calcium and iron, which also help improve resilience against common stresses,” he adds.

Drought conditions

With the drought conditions experienced this year, and the threat of pests increased by a mild autumn, SFI land is likely to be under greater pressure.

“Aphids and cabbage stem flea beetle are a threat this autumn, so using silicon products will help establishing plants to thicken cell walls and increase leaf hair density to discourage biting pests.”

With the ground still very dry in some parts, he says the use of silicon can help plants to grow deeper-seeking roots faster, which will help the plant find moisture.