Silicon Biogeochemistry

 

The Silicon Biogeochemistry Group (SIB) has the strategic goal of developing an improved understanding of the interactions between different silicon (Si) species and their availability, and nutrient and water availability in agricultural systems. Our research questions primarily address Si speciation, its binding strength, temporal Si dynamics, and the controlling variables of the Si cycle in agronomic systems. An assessment of the importance of biogenic Si pools is also in our research interest. We work from the Arctic to the tropics. Soil chemistry, dealing with binding competition between nutrients and different Si species for binding at the surface of soil minerals to ecosystem level processes (greenhouse gas release) are part of our portfolio. We investigate the influence of Si on microbial communities, amoebae and plants. Investigating the importance of amorphous Si for soil water storage and drought stress mitigation, as well as analyzing the links between grassland biodiversity and Si turnover, complete the research foci of our group.