Phytolith‐rich biochar: A potential Si fertilizer in desilicated soils

Silicon (Si) is beneficial to plants since it increases photosynthetic efficiency, and alleviates biotic and abiotic stresses. In the most highly weathered and desilicated soils, plant phytoliths make up the reservoir of bioavailable Si. The regular removal of crop residues, however, substantially decreases this pool. Si supply may therefore be required to sustain continuous cropping. Available Si fertilizers are costly and usually poor in...