Silicon and sustainable agriculture: Strengthening soil-plant synergy for food security

Abstract

Silicon (Si) plays an important role in the growth and development of crops; however, it is not an essential nutrient. It exists in different concentrations in soil and can be taken up by plants via root systems. Silicon accumulates mainly in the cell walls, strengthening and giving the plant structural rigidity with the potential to resist biotic and abiotic stress. Its primary source includes minerals, predominantly silicates, which gradually weather and release soluble Si compounds in bioavailable fractions. The availability of Si for plants depends on soil pH, temperature, and microbial activity, which might interfere with the solubility and release of Si from soil mineral pools. The dynamics of Si in crops involves its uptake, transport, and deposition which occurs through specialized transporters in root cells, allowing translocation of Si from root to aerial parts of the plants. Silicon serves as a catalyst for plant growth and development, notably enhancing photosynthetic efficiency, nutrient absorption, and water use efficiency. This review focuses on Si fertilization to reduce the impacts of biotic and abiotic stress highlighting its role in enhancing soil-crop health. Furthermore, the application of Si also provides a strong resistance against heavy metals (loids) thus alleviating the toxic effects. The plant's morphological and physicochemical health in response to Si application t has been elucidated in this review. Furthermore, the new gateway of research directions has also been explained that needs to be addressed to fight food security and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.