You can do everything right throughout the season and still find that your product loses quality once in storage. A skin that slowly softens, small spots that keep spreading… It might feel like your yield is quietly slipping away. So what’s causing this?
The underlying issue rarely starts in the cold store. It starts much earlier: in the cell structure of the plant itself. Whether you grow apples, pears or potatoes, a strong outer layer largely determines whether your product survives the storage period or loses weight, quality and value along the way. And that strength is closely linked to the balance of silicon and calcium in crops.
Calcium is the structural backbone of every robust plant. It keeps cell walls firm and stable, helping the skin hold its shape and resist damage. When calcium levels are too low or poorly distributed, cells become weaker and less cohesive. As a result the softer fruits and tubers dry out faster and are more vulnerable to damage and decay.
The challenge is that calcium does not move easily within the plant. Uptake is slow and transport to young tissues is often limited. During stress conditions such as heat or drought, plants close their stomata to conserve moisture, and calcium intake slows down even further. So even when there is sufficient calcium in the soil, it doesn’t always end up where it is most needed.
To ensure proper calcium distribution, the plant needs support from a second element: silicon.
Silicon plays a key role in how calcium is taken up and transported through the plant. It stimulates root activity and supports the flow of calcium through the xylem, even when the plant is under stress. This helps ensure that calcium reaches not only older leaves but also young growth points and developing fruits or tubers.
At the same time, silicon strengthens the outer cell wall itself. The structure becomes denser and more resilient, allowing calcium to bind more effectively. Moisture loss is reduced, the plant remains more stable under fluctuating conditions, and a firm, protective skin develops: one that retains its strength throughout the storage period.
Growers typically observe improvements during transport and storage:
The effect of silicon and calcium in crops has been tested in, among others, potato and pear cultivation, where clear improvements were observed.
Trials with Siliforce showed firmer crops, harder skins and a longer shelf life. In pears, higher calcium levels were measured in the flesh, indicating improved uptake and internal distribution. This leads to more even crop development and ultimately a more consistent yield.
To make the most of silicon and calcium in crops, timing and consistency are key:
In potatoes, for example, applications can begin around tuber initiation and be repeated every two weeks.
A product such as Siliforce Ca + B combines silicon with calcium and boron. Boron supports the movement of calcium through the cell wall, further improving uptake efficiency. Siliforce can be applied via foliar spray or drip irrigation, depending on the crop and growing system.
In most cases, Siliforce can be integrated with standard foliar fertilisers and crop protection products. If you are unsure about tank mixing, consult your advisor or contact us directly. Always add Siliforce to the tank first before introducing other products.
Step by step, this approach helps you build stronger crops with a resilient skin that performs in the field and holds up in storage.
Skin strength begins with a plant that is physiologically balanced. By focusing on silicon and calcium in crops, you will achieve higher yields and quality, thanks to a product that stays firm and holds it value.
Want to see how this synergy works in your crop?
