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Singh Y, Sharma S, Kumar U, Sihag P, Balyan P, Singh KP, Dhankher OP. Strategies for economic utilization of rice straw residues into value-added by-products and prevention of environmental pollution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 906:167714. [PMID: 37832665 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.167714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023]
Abstract
Rice straw management, along with the prevalent practice of residue burning, poses multifaceted challenges with substantial environmental and human health implications. After harvest, a considerable amount of straw is left behind, often disposed of through burning, releasing several pollutants into the environment. Carbon dioxide (CO2) dominates at 70%, accompanied by methane (CH4) at 0.66%, carbon monoxide (CO) at 7%, and nitrous oxide (N2O) at 2.09%. This process further compounds issues by depleting soil nutrients like nitrogen and organic matter. This review focuses on strategies for residue management and using straw as value-added by-products. We address research gaps and offer potential recommendations for rice straw management using economically feasible and practical routes. We elaborate that to improve rice straw digestibility, utilization in mushroom cultivation, and other value-added products, low silica (Si) rice varieties must be developed using modern technologies including marker-assisted selection breeding or genome editing. Developing low Si rice could also reduce arsenic uptake by rice, as rice plants use the same transporters for the uptake of both elements. Conversely, silica is also indispensable for quality rice production; hence, optimizing silicon content in rice is worth investigating. More research is required to understand the extent of silicon's effect on the utilization of straw for various purposes. This review also discusses the importance of educating farmers about the straw burning issue and its environmental consequences. We highlight the significance of tailoring rice straw management methods to local suitability, moving away from a universal approach. More extension work is needed to encourage farmers to opt for environmentally and economically sound options for rice straw management. Policy intervention to incentivize farmers and develop technologies for the widespread use of rice straw for various industries and product development could help in the management of rice straw and will also create a circular economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogita Singh
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar 125004, India
| | - Sudhir Sharma
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Upendra Kumar
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar 125004, India; Department of Plant Science, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly-243006, India.
| | - Pooja Sihag
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, College of Biotechnology, CCS Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar 125004, India
| | - Priyanka Balyan
- Department of Botany, Deva Nagri P.G. College, CCS University Meerut, 250001, India
| | - Krishna Pal Singh
- Biophysics Unit, College of Basic Sciences & Humanities, GB Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar 263145, India; Vice-Chancellor's Secretariat, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Rohilkhand University, Bareilly 243001, India
| | - Om Parkash Dhankher
- Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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de Tombeur F, Raven JA, Toussaint A, Lambers H, Cooke J, Hartley SE, Johnson SN, Coq S, Katz O, Schaller J, Violle C. Why do plants silicify? Trends Ecol Evol 2023; 38:275-288. [PMID: 36428125 DOI: 10.1016/j.tree.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite seminal papers that stress the significance of silicon (Si) in plant biology and ecology, most studies focus on manipulations of Si supply and mitigation of stresses. The ecological significance of Si varies with different levels of biological organization, and remains hard to capture. We show that the costs of Si accumulation are greater than is currently acknowledged, and discuss potential links between Si and fitness components (growth, survival, reproduction), environment, and ecosystem functioning. We suggest that Si is more important in trait-based ecology than is currently recognized. Si potentially plays a significant role in many aspects of plant ecology, but knowledge gaps prevent us from understanding its possible contribution to the success of some clades and the expansion of specific biomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Félix de Tombeur
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France; School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | - John A Raven
- Division of Plant Science, University of Dundee at the James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, UK; School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia; Climate Change Cluster, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, Australia
| | - Aurèle Toussaint
- Department of Botany, Institute of Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Hans Lambers
- School of Biological Sciences and Institute of Agriculture, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Julia Cooke
- School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Sue E Hartley
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Scott N Johnson
- Hawkesbury Institute for the Environment, Western Sydney University, Penrith, Australia
| | - Sylvain Coq
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - Ofir Katz
- Dead Sea and Arava Science Center, Mount Masada, Tamar Regional Council, Israel; Eilat Campus, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Eilat, Israel
| | - Jörg Schaller
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), Müncheberg, Germany
| | - Cyrille Violle
- CEFE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
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3
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Nakamura R, Watanabe T, Onoda Y. Contrasting Silicon Dynamics Between Aboveground Vegetation and Soil Along a Secondary Successional Gradient in a Cool-temperate Deciduous Forest. Ecosystems 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-022-00816-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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4
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Barrett CF, Huebner CD, Bender ZA, Budinsky TA, Corbett CW, Latvis M, McKain MR, Motley M, Skibicki SV, Thixton HL, Santee MV, Cumberledge AN. Digitized collections elucidate invasion history and patterns of awn polymorphism in Microstegium vimineum. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY 2022; 109:689-705. [PMID: 35435240 PMCID: PMC9327524 DOI: 10.1002/ajb2.1852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PREMISE Digitized collections can help illuminate the mechanisms behind the establishment and spread of invasive plants. These databases provide a record of traits in space and time that allows for investigation of abiotic and biotic factors that influence invasive species. METHODS Over 1100 digitized herbarium records were examined to investigate the invasion history and trait variation of Microstegium vimineum. Presence-absence of awns was investigated to quantify geographic patterns of this polymorphic trait, which serves several functions in grasses, including diaspore burial and dispersal to germination sites. Floret traits were further quantified, and genomic analyses of contemporary samples were conducted to investigate the history of M. vimineum's introduction and spread into North America. RESULTS Herbarium records revealed similar patterns of awn polymorphism in native and invaded ranges of M. vimineum, with awned forms predominating at higher latitudes and awnless forms at lower latitudes. Herbarium records and genomic data suggested initial introduction and spread of the awnless form in the southeastern United States, followed by a putative secondary invasion and spread of the awned form from eastern Pennsylvania. Awned forms have longer florets, and floret size varies significantly with latitude. There is evidence of a transition zone with short-awned specimens at mid-latitudes. Genomic analyses revealed two distinct clusters corresponding to awnless and awned forms, with evidence of admixture. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate the power of herbarium data to elucidate the invasion history of a problematic weed in North America and, together with genomic data, reveal a possible key trait in introduction success: presence or absence of an awn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig F. Barrett
- Department of BiologyWest Virginia University53 Campus DriveMorgantownWest Virginia26506USA
| | - Cynthia D. Huebner
- Department of BiologyWest Virginia University53 Campus DriveMorgantownWest Virginia26506USA
- USDA Forest Service Northern Research Station180 Canfield StreetMorgantownWest Virginia26505USA
- Division of Plant and Soil Sciences, 4100 Agricultural Sciences BuildingP.O. Box 6108MorgantownWest Virginia26506USA
| | - Zoe A. Bender
- Department of BiologyWest Virginia University53 Campus DriveMorgantownWest Virginia26506USA
- Department of BiologyGettysburg College300 North Washington StreetGettysburgPennsylvania17325USA
| | - Trezalka A. Budinsky
- Department of BiologyWest Virginia University53 Campus DriveMorgantownWest Virginia26506USA
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Pittsburgh4249 Fifth AvenuePittsburghPennsylvania15260USA
| | - Cameron W. Corbett
- Department of BiologyWest Virginia University53 Campus DriveMorgantownWest Virginia26506USA
| | - Maribeth Latvis
- Department of Natural Resource ManagementSouth Dakota State University, 1390 College Avenue, South Dakota State UniversityBrookingsSouth Dakota57007USA
| | - Michael R. McKain
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Alabama300 Hackberry LaneTuscaloosaAlabama35487USA
| | - M'Kayla Motley
- Department of Biological SciencesUniversity of Alabama300 Hackberry LaneTuscaloosaAlabama35487USA
| | - Samuel V. Skibicki
- Department of BiologyWest Virginia University53 Campus DriveMorgantownWest Virginia26506USA
| | - Hana L. Thixton
- Department of BiologyWest Virginia University53 Campus DriveMorgantownWest Virginia26506USA
| | - Mathilda V. Santee
- Department of BiologyWest Virginia University53 Campus DriveMorgantownWest Virginia26506USA
| | - Aubrey N. Cumberledge
- Department of BiologyWest Virginia University53 Campus DriveMorgantownWest Virginia26506USA
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Khan I, Awan SA, Rizwan M, Ali S, Hassan MJ, Brestic M, Zhang X, Huang L. Effects of silicon on heavy metal uptake at the soil-plant interphase: A review. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 222:112510. [PMID: 34273846 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Silicon (Si) is the second richest element in the soil and surface of earth crust with a variety of positive roles in soils and plants. Different soil factors influence the Si bioavailability in soil-plant system. The Si involves in the mitigation of various biotic (insect pests and pathogenic diseases) and abiotic stresses (salt, drought, heat, and heavy metals etc.) in plants by improving plant tolerance mechanism at various levels. However, Si-mediated restrictions in heavy metals uptake and translocation from soil to plants and within plants require deep understandings. Recently, Si-based improvements in plant defense system, cell damage repair, cell homeostasis, and regulation of metabolism under heavy metal stress are getting more attention. However, limited knowledge is available on the molecular mechanisms by which Si can reduce the toxicity of heavy metals, their uptake and transfer from soil to plant roots. Thus, this review is focused the following facets in greater detail to provide better understandings about the role of Si at molecular level; (i) how Si improves tolerance in plants to variable environmental conditions, (ii) how biological factors affect Si pools in the soil (iii) how soil properties impact the release and capability of Si to decrease the bioavailability of heavy metals in soil and their accumulation in plant roots; (iv) how Si influences the plant root system with respect to heavy metals uptake or sequestration, root Fe/Mn plaque, root cell wall and compartment; (v) how Si makes complexes with heavy metals and restricts their translocation/transfer in root cell and influences the plant hormonal regulation; (vi) the competition of uptake between Si and heavy metals such as arsenic, aluminum, and cadmium due to similar membrane transporters, and (vii) how Si-mediated regulation of gene expression involves in the uptake, transportation and accumulation of heavy metals by plants and their possible detoxification mechanisms. Furthermore, future research work with respect to mitigation of heavy metal toxicity in plants is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran Khan
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Samrah Afzal Awan
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Muhammad Rizwan
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Shafaqat Ali
- Department of Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Government College University Faisalabad, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Muhammad Jawad Hassan
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Marian Brestic
- Department of Plant Physiology, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture, Trieda A. Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia
| | - Xinquan Zhang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China
| | - Linkai Huang
- College of Grassland Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China.
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Katz O, Puppe D, Kaczorek D, Prakash NB, Schaller J. Silicon in the Soil-Plant Continuum: Intricate Feedback Mechanisms within Ecosystems. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:652. [PMID: 33808069 PMCID: PMC8066056 DOI: 10.3390/plants10040652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Plants' ability to take up silicon from the soil, accumulate it within their tissues and then reincorporate it into the soil through litter creates an intricate network of feedback mechanisms in ecosystems. Here, we provide a concise review of silicon's roles in soil chemistry and physics and in plant physiology and ecology, focusing on the processes that form these feedback mechanisms. Through this review and analysis, we demonstrate how this feedback network drives ecosystem processes and affects ecosystem functioning. Consequently, we show that Si uptake and accumulation by plants is involved in several ecosystem services like soil appropriation, biomass supply, and carbon sequestration. Considering the demand for food of an increasing global population and the challenges of climate change, a detailed understanding of the underlying processes of these ecosystem services is of prime importance. Silicon and its role in ecosystem functioning and services thus should be the main focus of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ofir Katz
- Dead Sea and Arava Science Center, Mt. Masada, Tamar Regional Council, 86910 Tamar, Israel
- Eilat Campus, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Hatmarim Blv, 8855630 Eilat, Israel
| | - Daniel Puppe
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), 15374 Müncheberg, Germany; (D.P.); (D.K.); (J.S.)
| | - Danuta Kaczorek
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), 15374 Müncheberg, Germany; (D.P.); (D.K.); (J.S.)
- Department of Soil Environment Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), 02776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Nagabovanalli B. Prakash
- Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore 560065, India;
| | - Jörg Schaller
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), 15374 Müncheberg, Germany; (D.P.); (D.K.); (J.S.)
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Schaller J, Puppe D, Kaczorek D, Ellerbrock R, Sommer M. Silicon Cycling in Soils Revisited. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:295. [PMID: 33557192 PMCID: PMC7913996 DOI: 10.3390/plants10020295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Silicon (Si) speciation and availability in soils is highly important for ecosystem functioning, because Si is a beneficial element for plant growth. Si chemistry is highly complex compared to other elements in soils, because Si reaction rates are relatively slow and dependent on Si species. Consequently, we review the occurrence of different Si species in soil solution and their changes by polymerization, depolymerization, and condensation in relation to important soil processes. We show that an argumentation based on thermodynamic endmembers of Si dependent processes, as currently done, is often difficult, because some reactions such as mineral crystallization require months to years (sometimes even centuries or millennia). Furthermore, we give an overview of Si reactions in soil solution and the predominance of certain solid compounds, which is a neglected but important parameter controlling the availability, reactivity, and function of Si in soils. We further discuss the drivers of soil Si cycling and how humans interfere with these processes. The soil Si cycle is of major importance for ecosystem functioning; therefore, a deeper understanding of drivers of Si cycling (e.g., predominant speciation), human disturbances and the implication for important soil properties (water storage, nutrient availability, and micro aggregate stability) is of fundamental relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Schaller
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), 15374 Müncheberg, Germany; (D.P.); (D.K.); (R.E.); (M.S.)
| | - Daniel Puppe
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), 15374 Müncheberg, Germany; (D.P.); (D.K.); (R.E.); (M.S.)
| | - Danuta Kaczorek
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), 15374 Müncheberg, Germany; (D.P.); (D.K.); (R.E.); (M.S.)
- Department of Soil Environment Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), 02-776 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Ruth Ellerbrock
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), 15374 Müncheberg, Germany; (D.P.); (D.K.); (R.E.); (M.S.)
| | - Michael Sommer
- Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF), 15374 Müncheberg, Germany; (D.P.); (D.K.); (R.E.); (M.S.)
- Institute of Environmental Science and Geography, University of Potsdam, 14476 Potsdam, Germany
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8
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Hao Q, Yang S, Song Z, Li Z, Ding F, Yu C, Hu G, Liu H. Silicon Affects Plant Stoichiometry and Accumulation of C, N, and P in Grasslands. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:1304. [PMID: 33013953 PMCID: PMC7493684 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.01304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Silicon (Si) plays an important role in improving soil nutrient availability and plant carbon (C) accumulation and may therefore impact the biogeochemical cycles of C, nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) in terrestrial ecosystems profoundly. However, research on this process in grassland ecosystems is scarce, despite the fact that these ecosystems are one of the most significant accumulators of biogenic Si (BSi). In this study, we collected the aboveground parts of four widespread grasses and soil profile samples in northern China and assessed the correlations between Si concentrations and stoichiometry and accumulation of C, N, and P in grasses at the landscape scale. Our results showed that Si concentrations in plants were significantly negatively correlated (p < 0.01) with associated C concentrations. There was no significant correlation between Si and N concentrations. It is worth noting that since the Si concentration increased, the P concentration increased from less than 0.10% to more than 0.20% and therefore C:P and N:P ratios decreased concomitantly. Besides, the soil noncrystalline Si played more important role in C, N, and P accumulation than other environmental factors (e.g., MAT, MAP, and altitude). These findings indicate that Si may facilitate grasses in adjusting the utilization of nutrients (C, N, and P) and may particularly alleviate P deficiency in grasslands. We conclude that Si positively alters the concentrations and accumulation of C, N, and P likely resulting in the variation of ecological stoichiometry in both vegetation and litter decomposition in soils. This study further suggests that the physiological function of Si is an important but overlooked factor in influencing biogeochemical cycles of C and P in grassland ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Hao
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shilei Yang
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhaoliang Song
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zichuan Li
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
- Key Laboratory of Recycling and Eco-treatment of Waste Biomass of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University of Science and Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fan Ding
- College of Land and Environment, Shenyang Agriculture University, Shenyang, China
| | - Changxun Yu
- Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Linnaeus University, Kalmar, Sweden
| | - Guozheng Hu
- Institute of Environment and Sustainable Development in Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyan Liu
- College of Urban and Environmental Sciences, Peking University, Peking, China
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9
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Thorne SJ, Hartley SE, Maathuis FJM. Is Silicon a Panacea for Alleviating Drought and Salt Stress in Crops? FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:1221. [PMID: 32973824 PMCID: PMC7461962 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.01221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Salinity affects around 20% of all arable land while an even larger area suffers from recurrent drought. Together these stresses suppress global crop production by as much as 50% and their impacts are predicted to be exacerbated by climate change. Infrastructure and management practices can mitigate these detrimental impacts, but are costly. Crop breeding for improved tolerance has had some success but is progressing slowly and is not keeping pace with climate change. In contrast, Silicon (Si) is known to improve plant tolerance to a range of stresses and could provide a sustainable, rapid and cost-effective mitigation method. The exact mechanisms are still under debate but it appears Si can relieve salt stress via accumulation in the root apoplast where it reduces "bypass flow of ions to the shoot. Si-dependent drought relief has been linked to lowered root hydraulic conductance and reduction of water loss through transpiration. However, many alternative mechanisms may play a role such as altered gene expression and increased accumulation of compatible solutes. Oxidative damage that occurs under stress conditions can be reduced by Si through increased antioxidative enzymes while Si-improved photosynthesis has also been reported. Si fertilizer can be produced relatively cheaply and to assess its economic viability to improve crop stress tolerance we present a cost-benefit analysis. It suggests that Si fertilization may be beneficial in many agronomic settings but may be beyond the means of smallholder farmers in developing countries. Si application may also have disadvantages, such as increased soil pH, less efficient conversion of crops into biofuel and reduced digestibility of animal fodder. These issues may hamper uptake of Si fertilization as a routine agronomic practice. Here, we critically evaluate recent literature, quantifying the most significant physiological changes associated with Si in plants under drought and salinity stress. Analyses show that metrics associated with photosynthesis, water balance and oxidative stress all improve when Si is present during plant exposure to salinity and drought. We further conclude that most of these changes can be explained by apoplastic roles of Si while there is as yet little evidence to support biochemical roles of this element.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Thorne
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, United Kingdom
| | - Susan E. Hartley
- Department of Biology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
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10
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Xu D, Gao T, Fang X, Bu H, Li Q, Wang X, Zhang R. Silicon addition improves plant productivity and soil nutrient availability without changing the grass:legume ratio response to N fertilization. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10295. [PMID: 32581317 PMCID: PMC7314743 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67333-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Silicon (Si) plays an important role in plant nutrient capture and absorption, and also promotes plant mechanical strength and light interception in alpine meadows. In this study, we conducted a field experiment to examine the effect of nitrogen (N) application, with (N + Si) and without Si (N-only), on the potential for soil nutrient and the growth of grass and legume plant functional types (PFTs) in an alpine meadow. It was found that N + Si resulted in higher soil nutrient contents, leaf N and P concentrations, abundance and biomass of legume and grass PFTs than N-only. The aboveground biomass of grass (598 g m-2) and legume (12.68 g m-2) PFTs under 600 kg ha-1 ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) per year addition with Si was significantly higher than that under the same level of N addition without Si (515 and 8.68 g m-2, respectively). The grass:legume biomass ratio did not differ significantly between the N + Si and N-only. This demonstrates that Si enhances N fertilization with apparently little effect on grass:legume ratio and increases plant-available nutrients, indicating that Si is essential for the plant community in alpine meadows.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danghui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems/School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, No. 222, South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China.
| | - Tianpeng Gao
- College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Xi'an University, Xi'an, 710065, China
- The Engineering Research Center of Mining Pollution Treatment and Ecological Restoration of Gansu Province, Lanzhou City University, Lanzhou, 730070, China
| | - Xiangwen Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems/School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, No. 222, South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Haiyan Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems/School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, No. 222, South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Qiuxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems/School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, No. 222, South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Xiaona Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems/School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, No. 222, South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Renyi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Grassland Agro-Ecosystems/School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, No. 222, South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
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11
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de Tombeur F, Turner BL, Laliberté E, Lambers H, Cornelis JT. Silicon Dynamics During 2 Million Years of Soil Development in a Coastal Dune Chronosequence Under a Mediterranean Climate. Ecosystems 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10021-020-00493-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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12
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Zhang Y, Zhang W, Duan J, Pan X, Liu G, Hu Y, Li W, Jiang Y, Liu J, Dai W, Song Y, Dong M. Riparian leaf litter decomposition on pond bottom after a retention on floating vegetation. Ecol Evol 2019; 9:9376-9384. [PMID: 31463028 PMCID: PMC6706178 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.5488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2018] [Revised: 06/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Allochthonous (e.g., riparian) plant litter is among the organic matter resources that are important for wetland ecosystems. A compact canopy of free-floating vegetation on the water surface may allow for riparian litter to remain on it for a period of time before sinking to the bottom. Thus, we hypothesized that canopy of free-floating vegetation may slow decomposition processes in wetlands. To test the hypothesis that the retention of riparian leaf litter on the free-floating vegetation in wetlands affects their subsequent decomposition on the bottom of wetlands, a 50-day in situ decomposition experiment was performed in a wetland pond in subtropical China, in which litter bags of single species with fine (0.5 mm) or coarse (2.0 mm) mesh sizes were placed on free-floating vegetation (dominated by Eichhornia crassipes, Lemna minor, and Salvinia molesta) for 25 days and then moved to the pond bottom for another 25 days or remained on the pond bottom for 50 days. The leaf litter was collected from three riparian species, that is, Cinnamomum camphora, Diospyros kaki, and Phyllostachys propinqua. The retention of riparian leaf litter on free-floating vegetation had significant negative effect on the carbon loss, marginal negative effects on the mass loss, and no effect on the nitrogen loss from leaf litter, partially supporting the hypothesis. Similarly, the mass and carbon losses from leaf litter decomposing on the pond bottom for the first 25 days of the experiment were greater than those from the litter decomposing on free-floating vegetation. Our results highlight that in wetlands, free-floating vegetation could play a vital role in litter decomposition, which is linked to the regulation of nutrient cycling in ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya‐Lin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Hangzhou City for Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, College of Life and Environmental SciencesHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Wei‐Jun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Hangzhou City for Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, College of Life and Environmental SciencesHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Jun‐Peng Duan
- Key Laboratory of Hangzhou City for Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, College of Life and Environmental SciencesHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Xu Pan
- Institute of Wetland ResearchChinese Academy of ForestryBeijingChina
| | - Guo‐Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
| | - Yu‐Kun Hu
- Institute of Wetland ResearchChinese Academy of ForestryBeijingChina
| | - Wen‐Bing Li
- Key Laboratory of Hangzhou City for Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, College of Life and Environmental SciencesHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yue‐Ping Jiang
- Hangzhou Xixi National Wetland Park Research Centre for Ecological SciencesHangzhouChina
| | - Jian Liu
- Institute of Environmental ResearchShandong UniversityQingdaoChina
| | - Wen‐Hong Dai
- Key Laboratory of Hangzhou City for Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, College of Life and Environmental SciencesHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Yao‐Bin Song
- Key Laboratory of Hangzhou City for Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, College of Life and Environmental SciencesHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouChina
| | - Ming Dong
- Key Laboratory of Hangzhou City for Ecosystem Protection and Restoration, College of Life and Environmental SciencesHangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhouChina
- State Key Laboratory of Vegetation and Environmental Change, Institute of BotanyChinese Academy of SciencesBeijingChina
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13
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Silicon increases the phosphorus availability of Arctic soils. Sci Rep 2019; 9:449. [PMID: 30679628 PMCID: PMC6345794 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37104-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphorus availability in soils is an important parameter influencing primary production in terrestrial ecosystems. Phosphorus limitation exists in many soils since a high proportion of soil phosphorus is stored in unavailable forms for plants, such as bound to iron minerals or stabilized organic matter. This is in spite of soils having a high amount of total soil phosphorus. The feasibility of silicon to mobilize phosphorus from strong binding sites of iron minerals has been shown for marine sediments but is less well studied in soils. Here we tested the effect of silicon on phosphorus mobilization for 143 Artic soils (representing contrasting soil characteristics), which have not been affected by agriculture or other anthropogenic management practices. In agreement with marine studies, silicon availabilities were significantly positive correlated to phosphorus mobilization in these soils. Laboratory experiments confirmed that silicon addition significantly increases phosphorus mobilization, by mobilizing Fe(II)-P phases from mineral surfaces. Silicon addition increased also soil respiration in phosphorus deficient soils. We conclude that silicon is a key component regulating mobilization of phosphorous in Arctic soils, suggesting that this may also be important for sustainable management of phosphorus availability in soils in general.
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14
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Schaller J, Wang J, Islam MR, Planer-Friedrich B. Black carbon yields highest nutrient and lowest arsenic release when using rice residuals in paddy soils. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17004. [PMID: 30451944 PMCID: PMC6242850 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35414-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Rice straw increasingly remains on the fields for nutrient supply to the next generation of crop plants. It can be applied either fresh or after burning to black carbon or ash. A central concern during rice cultivation is accumulation of carcinogenic arsenic and the question arises how much rice straw application contributes to nutrient versus arsenic supply in paddy fields. Laboratory incubation experiments were performed to assess the effect of rice straw, black carbon and ash on element mobilization. Our experiments showed initially higher silicon and phosphorus release from black carbon compared to fresh straw amendments. However, more re-sorption to soil lead to finally slightly lower pore water concentrations for black carbon versus fresh straw amendments. Highest arsenic, iron, manganese and dissolved organic carbon concentrations were observed after fresh rice straw application. Black carbon and ash application lead to only minor increases of arsenic compared to controls without amendments. Overall, for silicon and phosphorus the soil acts as sink while for iron and arsenic it was the main source. In summary, burning of rice straw to black carbon prior to application seems to yield a high increase in desired nutrient and a decrease in undesired arsenic mobilization in paddy soils.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Schaller
- Environmental Geochemistry, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Environmental Geochemistry, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Md Rafiqul Islam
- Department of Soil Science, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Britta Planer-Friedrich
- Environmental Geochemistry, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
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15
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Beard T, Maaz T, Borrelli K, Harsh J, Pan W. Nitrogen Affects Wheat and Canola Silica Accumulation, Soil Silica Forms, and Crusting. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2018; 47:1380-1388. [PMID: 30512072 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2018.01.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Raindrop-induced crusting of mineral soils supporting wheat ( L.) in the semiarid US Pacific Northwest reduces seedling establishment of late summer-seeded winter crops during dry, hot conditions. Canola ( L.) integration is diversifying regional food, feed and fuel global markets. Subsequent shifts in recycled crop residue characteristics, including Si and crop fiber, may shift soil characteristics of traditional wheat-dominated systems, potentially affecting their propensity to form soil crusts. In a greenhouse study, wheat and canola were fertilized with varying N rates. Increased N supply increased transpiration, shoot weight, and hemicellulose and cellulose yields, but with only minor increases in shoot Si and lignin yields. Both crops had similar increases in root Si with greater N-stimulated transpiration. Two subsequent soil incubations were conducted to determine how Si, N fertilization, and crop residues from wheat and canola affected soil properties. In the first incubation, Si was applied as aqueous HSiO, which increased soil amorphous and water-soluble Si (Si and Si), physical resistance, and crust thickness. Electron micrographs showed increased amorphous material, presumably a Si precipitate, on soil particles with increased Si application. Second, two Ritzville soils were treated with the canola or wheat shoot residues with and without N fertilizer. Nitrogen lowered soil pH, Si, Si, surface resistance, and crust thickness; however, first-time application of crop residue types had no short-term effect on these parameters. Any impacts of lower Si returned by lower Si crop residues on soil physical properties likely require several rotational cycles of Si crop uptake and residue returns.
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16
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Salinas MJ, Casas JJ, Rubio-Ríos J, López-Carrique E, Ramos-Miras JJ, Gil C. Climate-driven changes of riparian plant functional types in permanent headwater streams. Implications for stream food webs. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0199898. [PMID: 29953530 PMCID: PMC6023121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0199898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Little is known regarding consequences of climate change on riparian plant functional types (PFTs) related to leaf traits, with putative domino effects on stream food webs, plausible even if the tipping point of stream-desiccation is not reached. We hypothesized that, as stream food-webs are highly dependent on riparian subsidies, climate change might alter PFTs to the point of weakening terrestrial-aquatic linkages. We conducted a gradient analysis to assess the relative effects of climate, soil and riparian physical characteristics on PFTs. If PFTs differ significantly in leaf traits and climate had major influences on them, we could assume space-for-time interchangeability forward in time to predict leaf traits changes, and consequences for stream food webs under future climate change scenarios. Results indicated a clear distinction in leaf traits among PFTs: woody deciduous plants showed leaf traits associated to high decomposability and nutritional value for invertebrate shredders compared to evergreen woody and giant graminoid groups. We found a prime role of climate predicting changes in abundance and diversity of PFTs: 1) a warming and precipitation-decline scenario, coupled with soil characteristics related to aridification, would have detrimental effects on deciduous plants, while fostering giant graminoids; 2) in a scenario of no precipitation-reduction in wetter areas, warming might promote the expansion of evergreen to the detriment of deciduous plants. In both scenarios the net outcome implies increasing recalcitrance of leaf litter inputs, potentially weakening terrestrial-aquatic linkages in headwater streams.
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Affiliation(s)
- María J. Salinas
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
- Andalusian Centre for the Evaluation and Monitoring of the Global Change (CAESCG), University of Almería, Almería, Spain
- * E-mail:
| | - J. Jesús Casas
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
- Andalusian Centre for the Evaluation and Monitoring of the Global Change (CAESCG), University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Juan Rubio-Ríos
- Department of Biology and Geology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | | | | | - Carlos Gil
- Department of Agronomy, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
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17
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Klotzbücher T, Klotzbücher A, Kaiser K, Vetterlein D, Jahn R, Mikutta R. Variable silicon accumulation in plants affects terrestrial carbon cycling by controlling lignin synthesis. GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY 2018; 24:e183-e189. [PMID: 28755386 DOI: 10.1111/gcb.13845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/16/2017] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Current climate and land-use changes affect regional and global cycles of silicon (Si), with yet uncertain consequences for ecosystems. The key role of Si in marine ecology by controlling algae growth is well recognized but research on terrestrial ecosystems neglected Si since not considered an essential plant nutrient. However, grasses and various other plants accumulate large amounts of Si, and recently it has been hypothesized that incorporation of Si as a structural plant component may substitute for the energetically more expensive biosynthesis of lignin. Herein, we provide evidence supporting this hypothesis. We demonstrate that in straw of rice (Oryza sativa) deriving from a large geographic gradient across South-East Asia, the Si concentrations (ranging from 1.6% to 10.7%) are negatively related to the concentrations of carbon (31.3% to 42.5%) and lignin-derived phenols (32 to 102 mg/g carbon). Less lignin may explain results of previous studies that Si-rich straw decomposes faster. Hence, Si seems a significant but hardly recognized factor in organic carbon cycling through grasslands and other ecosystems dominated by Si-accumulating plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thimo Klotzbücher
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anika Klotzbücher
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Klaus Kaiser
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Doris Vetterlein
- Department of Soil Physics, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research- UFZ, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Reinhold Jahn
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Robert Mikutta
- Institute of Agricultural and Nutritional Sciences, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
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18
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Reithmaier GMS, Knorr KH, Arnhold S, Planer-Friedrich B, Schaller J. Enhanced silicon availability leads to increased methane production, nutrient and toxicant mobility in peatlands. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8728. [PMID: 28821870 PMCID: PMC5562759 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09130-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Peatlands perform important ecosystem functions, such as carbon storage and nutrient retention, which are affected, among other factors, by vegetation and peat decomposition. The availability of silicon (Si) in peatlands differs strongly, ranging from <1 to >25 mg L−1. Since decomposition of organic material was recently shown to be accelerated by Si, the aim of this study was to examine how Si influences decomposition of carbon and nutrient and toxicant mobilization in peatlands. We selected a fen site in Northern Bavaria with naturally bioavailable Si pore water concentrations of 5 mg/L and conducted a Si addition experiment. At a fourfold higher Si availability, dissolved organic carbon, carbon dioxide, and methane concentrations increased significantly. Furthermore, dissolved nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, manganese, cobalt, zinc, and arsenic concentrations were significantly higher under high Si availability. This enhanced mobilization may result from Si competing for binding sites but also from stronger reducing conditions, caused by accelerated respiration. The stronger reducing conditions also increased reduction of arsenate to arsenite and thus the mobility of this toxicant. Hence, higher Si availability is suggested to decrease carbon storage and increase nutrient and toxicant mobility in peatland ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria-Maria Susanne Reithmaier
- Environmental Geochemistry, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Klaus-Holger Knorr
- Ecohydrology and Biogeochemistry Group, Institute of Landscape Ecology, University of Münster, Heisenbergstr. 2, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Sebastian Arnhold
- Ecological Services, Department of Earth Sciences, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95440, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Britta Planer-Friedrich
- Environmental Geochemistry, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Jörg Schaller
- Environmental Geochemistry, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University of Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.
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19
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Schaller J, Planer-Friedrich B. The filter feeder Dreissena polymorpha affects nutrient, silicon, and metal(loid) mobilization from freshwater sediments. CHEMOSPHERE 2017; 174:531-537. [PMID: 28193585 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2017.02.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Organic sediments in aquatic ecosystems are well known sinks for nutrients, silicon, and metal(loid)s. Organic matter-consuming organisms like invertebrate shredders, grazers, and bioturbators significantly affect element fixation or remobilization by changing redox conditions or binding properties of organic sediments. Little is known about the effect of filter feeders, like the zebra mussel Dreissena polymorpha, an invasive organism in North American and European freshwater ecosystems. A laboratory batch experiment exposing D. polymorpha (∼1200 organisms per m2) to organic sediment from a site contaminated with arsenic, copper, lead, and uranium revealed a significant uptake and accumulation of arsenic, copper, iron, and especially uranium both into the soft body tissues and the seashell. This is in line with previous observations of metal(loid) accumulation from biomonitoring studies. Regarding its environmental impact, D. polymorpha significantly contributed to mobilization of silicon, iron, phosphorus, arsenic, and copper and to immobilization of uranium (p < 0.001), probably driven by redox conditions, microbial activity within the gut system, or active control of element homeostasis. No net mobilization or immobilization was observed for zinc and lead, because of their low mobility at the prevailing pH of 7.5-8.5. The present results suggest that D. polymorpha can both ameliorate (nutrient mobilization, immobilization of toxicants mobile under oxic conditions) or aggravate negative effects (mobilization of toxicants mobile under reducing conditions) in ecosystems. Relating the results of the present study to observed population densities in natural freshwater ecosystems suggests a significant influence of D. polymorpha on element cycling and needs to be considered in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Schaller
- Environmental Geochemistry, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Britta Planer-Friedrich
- Environmental Geochemistry, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany
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20
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Schaller J, Hodson MJ, Struyf E. Is relative Si/Ca availability crucial to the performance of grassland ecosystems? Ecosphere 2017. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Schaller
- Environmental Geochemistry; University Bayreuth; Universitätsstrasse 30 95447 Bayreuth Germany
| | - Martin J. Hodson
- Department of Biological and Medical Sciences; Faculty of Health and Life Sciences; Oxford Brookes University; Headington Campus Oxford OX3 0BP UK
| | - Eric Struyf
- Department of Biology; University of Antwerp; Campus Drie Eiken Universiteitsplein 1C Wilrijk 2610 Belgium
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21
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Schaller J, Roscher C, Hillebrand H, Weigelt A, Oelmann Y, Wilcke W, Ebeling A, Weisser WW. Plant diversity and functional groups affect Si and Ca pools in aboveground biomass of grassland systems. Oecologia 2016; 182:277-86. [PMID: 27164912 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-016-3647-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Plant diversity is an important driver of nitrogen and phosphorus stocks in aboveground plant biomass of grassland ecosystems, but plant diversity effects on other elements also important for plant growth are less understood. We tested whether plant species richness, functional group richness or the presence/absence of particular plant functional groups influences the Si and Ca concentrations (mmol g(-1)) and stocks (mmol m(-2)) in aboveground plant biomass in a large grassland biodiversity experiment (Jena Experiment). In the experiment including 60 temperate grassland species, plant diversity was manipulated as sown species richness (1, 2, 4, 8, 16) and richness and identity of plant functional groups (1-4; grasses, small herbs, tall herbs, legumes). We found positive species richness effects on Si as well as Ca stocks that were attributable to increased biomass production. The presence of particular functional groups was the most important factor explaining variation in aboveground Si and Ca stocks (mmol m(-2)). Grass presence increased the Si stocks by 140 % and legume presence increased the Ca stock by 230 %. Both the presence of specific plant functional groups and species diversity altered Si and Ca stocks, whereas Si and Ca concentration were affected mostly by the presence of specific plant functional groups. However, we found a negative effect of species diversity on Si and Ca accumulation, by calculating the deviation between mixtures and mixture biomass proportions, but in monoculture concentrations. These changes may in turn affect ecosystem processes such as plant litter decomposition and nutrient cycling in grasslands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jörg Schaller
- Institute of General Ecology and Environmental Protection, Technische Universität Dresden, Pienner Straße 19, 01737, Tharandt, Germany. .,Environmental Geochemistry, Bayreuth Center for Ecology and Environmental Research (BayCEER), University Bayreuth, Universitätsstraße 30, 95447, Bayreuth, Germany.
| | - Christiane Roscher
- Department of Physiological Diversity, UFZ, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research, Permoserstraße 15, 04138, Leipzig, Germany.,German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Helmut Hillebrand
- Institute for Chemistry and Biology of the Marine Environment, Carl-von Ossietzky University, 26111, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Alexandra Weigelt
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Deutscher Platz 5e, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.,Department for Systematic Botany and Functional Biodiversity, University of Leipzig, Johannisallee 21-23, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Yvonne Oelmann
- Geoecology, University of Tuebingen, Rümelinstraße 19-23, 72070, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wilcke
- Institute of Geography and Geoecology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Reinhard-Baumeister-Platz 1, 76131, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Anne Ebeling
- Institute of Ecology, University of Jena, Dornburger Straße 159, 07743, Jena, Germany
| | - Wolfgang W Weisser
- Department of Ecology and Ecosystem Management, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technische Universität München, Hans-Carl-von-Carlowitz-Platz 2, 85350, Freising, Germany
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22
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Schoelynck
- Department of Biology Ecosystem Management Research Group University of Antwerp Universiteitsplein 1C B‐2610 Wilrijk Belgium
| | - Eric Struyf
- Department of Biology Ecosystem Management Research Group University of Antwerp Universiteitsplein 1C B‐2610 Wilrijk Belgium
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