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Plant Science Today (PST)

Review Articles

Vol. 12 No. 3 (2025)

Silica fertilization to enhance carbon sequestration in crops: A review

DOI
https://doi.org/10.14719/pst.7948
Submitted
27 February 2025
Published
07-07-2025 — Updated on 14-07-2025
Versions

Abstract

Carbon sequestration is a key strategy to mitigate climate change by capturing and storing atmospheric CO2, with the aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. It is categorized into geological, biological and soil-based methods. Geological sequestration stores CO2 in deep formations such as saline aquifers and depleted reservoirs, with supercritical CO2 injection optimizing storage. Biological methods utilize microorganisms such as algae and fungi, while soil-based approaches focus on practices like silica fertilization to enhance carbon storage. Silicon (Si) fertilization promotes phytolith formation, silica structures in plants that trap organic carbon (Phyt OC). Phytoliths persist in soils for centuries, contributing to long-term sequestration and indirectly supporting carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. Silicon also enhances plant resilience, photosynthesis and stress tolerance, thereby boosting biomass production and soil carbon stocks. Innovative techniques such as the sol-gel process transform silica-rich industrial wastes into fertilizers, promoting sustainable agriculture and reducing environmental impacts. These fertilizers improve carbon sequestration by enhancing phytolith production, particularly in crops like wheat. An integrated approach that combines silica fertilization, regenerative farming and advanced technologies optimizes the carbon sink capacity of agricultural soils. Additionally, phytoliths aid paleo ecological research by preserving historical vegetation data. However, balanced silica application is crucial to maintain soil health. This integrated strategy offers a sustainable solution to mitigate excessive carbon emissions, enhance soil carbon storage and support global climate goals.

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