Silicate Fertilizer Amendment Alters Fungal Communities and Accelerates Soil Organic Matter Decomposition

Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling in cropping systems. Compared to bacteria, fungal community composition and the role of fungi in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling in agro-systems are, however, elusive. Silicon (Si) fertilization is essential to improve agronomic performance of rice. The effects of the Si fertilizer application on the soil fungal community composition...