Content and Dynamics of Silicophytoliths and Silicon in Pristine Soils and Agroecosystems in the Southeast of the Pampean Plain, Argentina

FRAYSSINET, CELIA; BENVENUTO, LAURA; OSTERRIETH L. MARGARITA; BORRELLI, L. NATALIA; ALVAREZ, FERNANDA; FERNANDEZ HONAINE, MARIANA

Advances in Geomorphology and Quaternary Studies in Argentina

Springer Nature

Año: 2021; p. 456 - 479

Silicophytoliths are hydrated amorphous silica biomineralizations producedby plants. A high amount of plants produces silicophytoliths, which areessential for their growth. In recent decades, silicophytolith researchers havefocused their interest in the accumulation mechanisms, requirements and minimumcontents necessary to achieve the proper development of silica-accumulatorplants and crops. These biomineralizations can be incorporated into the soil system,being thus relevant in the plant-soil-environment interaction. In this work thecontent of silicophytoliths and silicon in Argiudolls of pristine systems and agroecosystemsof southeastern Buenos Aires province are reviewed.Results shown thatthe absorption, storage and release of Si by natural vegetation play a crucial rolein the Si dynamics within the soil and aquatic systems. The silicophytoliths andthe Si content have shown some relation with the bulk density and the structuralstability values, as well as with the organic matter and the available phosphorouscontents of the soil. The negative consequences of unsuitable soilmanagement canbe mitigated if conservation practices are applied more frequently, where tillageof crops, which are high producers of silicophytoliths, would lead to an increase inthe Si content of the soil, thus improving the physicochemical fertility and qualityof the agroecosystem.