Kinda surprised you didn't see positive results, it was very noticeable in all the tests I was a part of. Side by sides of products at the hydro store, and in gardens I consulted on, and and my personal gardens. I got free samples of dozens of products and I agree there is a lot of hype. I don't add silica to my plants either, I think it's way over pushed on people. Maybe your style fully replaces the need for mykos, I guess if your already getting half inch hairs growing out the sides of your roots on every root it can't do a job already being done.
That's kind of what I am saying. And if you can't get the growth from environment and proper practices I don't think the product will likely work either.
I also don't think roots have much problem taking up elements in a little pot. I use #3 nursery pots as my final one to flower in. 2.4 gallons and 10 " wide the food is all local to the roots.
Trees use myco to form a vast network to find elements spread out in the ground outside. It is a pseudo science kind of theory for containers.
And they have proven the myco can compete with the plant for food in a small container as well.
And myco can compete with other more important bacteria breaking down food for the plants.
Just what I have read and learned.
And with inoculation I saw the side root hairs as you describe and not so much without. But the more complete soil without the myco grew larger healthier better plants. And every time. Same results with same nutes in soil.
I believe that the more and diverse elements available to the plant and the best stable environment is where the quality comes from. I use no additives for any results I have posted.
My last Black Widow x Blue Lemon Thai yielded 7.5 oz of dense nugs in ocean forest in a 2.4 gallon pot and only some pure blend pro added half way through flowering.
I think for my garden size I am pretty maxed out.
