Dan-dan Zao

The problem of elaboration and implementation of innovative, feasible, ecologically friendly nature-like technologies aiming at an increase in carbon (C) stock and significant reduction in greenhouse gas (GG) emission from all agricultural areas, including those under rice cultivation, is critically important. In field tests conducted in Hunan Province, China, carbon dioxide (CO₂) sequestration by roots of rice plants was evaluated as influenced by silicon (Si) fertilizers. The amount of additional CO₂ sequestrated was dependent on the content of plant-available Si in agrochemicals, frequency and duration of their application and granulometric composition of soil. The data obtained evidences the potential of Si fertilizers to promote the process of C sequestration and reduction in GG emission under rice cultivation. Their application provided an increase in rice yield by 12,1 to 71,2% and in the CO₂ fixation by root system by 0,95 to 14,9 t ha^-1 over one season. Returning C to soil and fertility reproduction could be provided via enhanced plant root system development and increased root debris after harvesting. Agrochemicals containing silicon available for plants should be included in the technology for the implementation of 4R-STRATEGY of mineral nutrition of agricultural crops.