Silicon-mediated microbial climate regulation: a new conceptual framework for climate policy and sustainable rice intensification

초록

Background and aim Rice is a staple crop for over half the global population, but rice cultivation is also a significant source of methane (CH4) emissions, placing it at the heart of the climate-food security challenge. While silicon (Si) fertilization has long been valued for its agronomic benefits in rice cultivation, its role in modulating soil microbial processes to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions remains underexplored and underutilized in climate policy. This opinion article aims to highlight the silicate-microbiome interface as a pivotal yet overlooked leverage point for achieving sustainable rice intensification and effective climate mitigation.Scope We critically examine how disciplinary constraints, entrenched soil fertility paradigms, and a policy preference for high-tech solutions have hindered the integration of Si-microbe interactions into mainstream climate-smart agriculture strategies. Synthesizing recent advances in rhizosphere microbiology and soil biogeochemistry, we introduce a novel conceptual framework-Silicon-Mediated Microbial Climate Regulation (SiMCR)-to elucidate the mechanistic links between Si application, microbial community dynamics, and reduced CH4 emissions. The scope encompasses recommendations for multidisciplinary research agendas, regulatory updates to recognize quality-screened Si fertilizers as climate-smart soil amendments, and their inclusion in national climate action plans (e.g., Nationally Determined Contributions) and sustainable intensification metrics.Conclusion Embracing Si-mediated microbial regulation offers a scalable, nature-based strategy to decouple rice production from environmental harm. We argue that without deliberately incorporating Si-microbe interactions into both research and policy frameworks, the goal of truly climate-smart rice systems will remain unattainable. Urgent action is needed to unlock this neglected nexus for global food and climate security.

키워드