Phytolith-Mediated Biocarbon Sequestration

Abstract

The sequestration of biocarbon primarily arises from natural mechanisms and is acknowledged as a critical measure in mitigating climate change. An inactive form of carbon, known as phytolith occluded carbon, is sequestered within plants and persists in soil for thousands of years following the breakdown of vegetation. Formation, distribution and storage of phytolith occluded carbon are the major factors affecting phytolith-mediated biocarbon sequestration. Crop area, crop duration, aboveground net primary productivity, crop, plant species, plant parts, age of plant, age of plant parts, cell components, phytolith morphotypes, and mean annual precipitation are some of the factors affecting the formation of phytolith occluded carbon. The stability and dissolution of phytolith occluded carbon in the soil are determined by carbon dioxide, temperature, climate zone, topography, soil, and phytolith properties characteristics. The phytolith distribution in the soil is affected by soil type and depth, tillage, bioturbulence, percolation, and phytolith morphotypes. By adopting proper soil and crop management practices phytolith mediated biocarbon sequestration can be enhanced.