....
Regarding DE:
I couldn't find anything I call reliable which shows that the many benefits of DE are caused by absorbed silicic acid itself and not its physiochemical properties.
Probably will not--but one has to ask why is there an increase in Si, both soil and plant tissue soon after a DE application. Sometimes generating better results than other sources of Si. (ie that barley experiment I discussed earlier)...like why it took SiO2 (chemically pure variety) 5 times the amount of NPK to produce the same 0.30 grams that DE produced with less NPK. Is it because DE is 5 x more efficient? Or is it because SiO2 is less efficient by a factor of 5?
Explain that one please. It truly is a mystery to me.
Also, most studies have concluded the cost/benefit of using Potassium Silicate as the source of Si for most field operations is no bueno. Fast leaching and cost are the common reasons; other affordable sources of Si are available.