Silicon-Phosphorus-Dynamic

Silicon (Si) is the second most abundant element in the earth's crust after oxygen. Despite numerous studies reporting a positive effect of silicon on crops, silicon is not considered a plant nutrient. Some field and pot experiments have shown that the addition of silicon increases the uptake of phosphorus (P) by plants. The mechanisms and explanations proposed so far for the synergistic effect of Si on P deficiency are based on the fact that silicic acid competes with P for binding soil minerals and that higher availability of Si leads to mobilization of P from soil minerals.

However, the specific mechanisms underlying the effects of silicon on soil nutrient dynamics are largely unknown. These will be investigated as part of the project.