Content and dynamics of silicophytoliths and silicon in pristine soils and agroecosystems in the southeast of the Pampean Plain, Argentina

FRAYSSINET CELIA; BENVENUTO, MARIA LAURA; OSTERRIETH, MARGARITA; BORRELLI, NATALIA; ALVAREZ, M FERNANDA; FERNÁNDEZ HONAINE, MARIANA

Advances in Geomorphology and Quaternary Studies in Argentina.

Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Año: 2021; p. 456 - 479

Silicophytoliths are hydrated amorphous silica biomineralizations produced by plants. A high amount ofplants produces silicophytoliths, which are essential for their growth. In recent decades, silicophytolithresearchers have focused their interest in the accumulation mechanisms, requirements and minimumcontents necessary to achieve the proper development of silica-accumulator plants and crops. Thesebiomineralizations can be incorporated into the soil system, being thus relevant in the plant-soilenvironmentinteraction. In this work the content of silicophytoliths and silicon in Argiudolls of pristinesystems and agroecosystems of southeastern Buenos Aires province are reviewed. Results shown that theabsorption, storage and release of Si by natural vegetation play a crucial role in the Si dynamics within thesoil and aquatic systems. The silicophytoliths and the Si content have shown some relation with the bulkdensity and the structural stability values, as well as with the organic matter and the available phosphorouscontents of the soil. The negative consequences of unsuitable soil management can be mitigated ifconservation practices are applied more frequently, where tillage of crops, which are high producers ofsilicophytoliths, would lead to an increase in the Si content of the soil, thus improving the physicochemicalfertility and quality of the agroecosystem