About this Research Topic

Background

Silicon (Si) cycling in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems is a critical area of research due to its significant role in plant health and ecosystem functioning. The Si cycle is intricately linked with the carbon cycle, influencing climate change dynamics along the land-ocean continuum. Despite the recognition of its importance, the quantification of Si pools and fluxes remains a challenge. Recent studies have highlighted the role of biogenic silica (BSi) formation by organisms such as plants, macroalgae, sponges, diatoms, and testate amoebae, which plays a pivotal role in Si cycling over shorter timescales compared to silicate mineral weathering. However, there is still a substantial gap in our understanding of the comprehensive quantification of Si pools and fluxes within and between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Addressing this gap is crucial for advancing our knowledge of Si cycling and its broader ecological implications.

This Research Topic aims to compile detailed information on Si pools and fluxes in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, focusing on their quantities, drivers, and interactions. The objective is to develop a comprehensive overview of Si cycling at the ecosystem scale and beyond. By leveraging evolving analytical tools such as Si isotope analysis, improved Si extraction methods, and a deeper understanding of biosilicification in Si-accumulating organisms, this Research Topic seeks to enhance our understanding of Si dynamics. The goal is to provide insights that can inform strategies for mitigating climate change-related impacts and improving ecosystem management.

To gather further insights into the complexities of Si cycling, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Si pool and flux quantities in terrestrial and/or aquatic ecosystems
• BSi, including phytoliths, sponge spicules, diatom frustules, and testate amoeba shells
• Biogenic and minerogenic Si fractions in soils or sediments
• Si isotope analysis
• Effects of global change on Si cycling
• Mitigation of climate change-related impacts using Si

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Data Report
• Editorial
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Silicon cycling, biogeochemistry, biogenic silica, silicon fractions, global change

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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