Biochar affects silicification patterns and physical traits of rice leaves cultivated in a desilicated soil (Ferric Lixisol)

Increasing the leaf silicification of cereal crops to ameliorate defenses against stresses and improve yields constitutes a major challenge in (sub-)tropical regions with highly desilicated soils. We tested efficacy different biochars – as readily available alternatives commercial fertilizers increase understand subsequent impacts traits that might benefit crops. compared application two (rice-derived biochar 198 g kg− 1 Si cotton-derived 4 Si) wollastonite (240 at rates on patterns rice growing pots containing soil (Ferric Lixisol) from Burkina Faso. Leaf increased 19.0 70.4 addition (control < cotton biochar), resulting larger epidermal silica deposits. carbon (C), mass per area (LMA) arc decreased were negatively correlated Si, however, surprisingly, force punch plant biomass decreased. demonstrate effective use environments status their associated traits. In particular, decrease LMA shows promising capacity reduce C costs. situ trials are now needed investigate whether or not these beneficial effects may result crop through resilience environmental stresses.