Xuqing Li

Candidature

PhD Candidate

Thesis Title

The role of silicon in carbon biogeochemistry: how does plant silicification impact decomposition?

Project Summary

Silicon (Si) has emerged as an important element for enhancing plant growth and improving resilience against abiotic and biotic stresses. It is increasingly recognized that silicification of plants (especially grasses) has the potential to affect terrestrial carbon turnover. Silicified litter may potentially hinder the invertebrate and fungal activities that lead to decomposition via physical resilience, thus affecting its potential for stabilisation into soil carbon. Moreover, silicification of litter may influence its ability to prime native soil organic matter, but this has not been quantified. However, these processes have not been assessed and an integrated understanding of their effects is due. My PhD project aims to offer insights and build a framework that connects the interplay between Si-mediated changes in litter quality, decomposer communities, below-ground carbon allocation, and their interactions to elucidate the potential mechanisms by which Si influences soil carbon.

Supervisors

Professor Scott Johnson and Doctor Yolima Carrillo