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

Abstract

AbstractSilicophytoliths are hydrated amorphous silica biomineralizations produced by plants. A high amount of plants produces silicophytoliths, which are essential for their growth. In recent decades, silicophytolith researchers have focused their interest in the accumulation mechanisms, requirements and minimum contents necessary to achieve the proper development of silica-accumulator plants and crops. These biomineralizations can be incorporated into the soil system, being thus relevant in the plant-soil-environment interaction. In this work the content of silicophytoliths and silicon in Argiudolls of pristine systems and agroecosystems of southeastern Buenos Aires province are reviewed. Results shown that the absorption, storage and release of Si by natural vegetation play a crucial role in the Si dynamics within the soil and aquatic systems. The silicophytoliths and the Si content have shown some relation with the bulk density and the structural stability values, as well as with the organic matter and the available phosphorous contents of the soil. The negative consequences of unsuitable soil management can be mitigated if conservation practices are applied more frequently, where tillage of crops, which are high producers of silicophytoliths, would lead to an increase in the Si content of the soil, thus improving the physicochemical fertility and quality of the agroecosystem.KeywordsBiomineralizationsOrganic and inorganic amorphous silicaBuenos Aires provinceBiogeochemistrySoil properties