German researchers at the University of Saskatchewan’s Canadian Light Source syncotron are studying efforts to improve rice production.

Researchers examined soil samples from rice paddies in China in hopes of learning how silicon can reduce the need for phosphorus-based fertilizers and make rice farming more sustainable.

The researchers found that silicon, which also plays a key role in growing rice, can replace phosphorus in soil and mobilize it to be available for absorption by the plants that need it.

Phosphorus binds to iron in soil, rendering it unavailable to plants.

Researcher Dr. Joerg Schaller says the research shows using cheaper and more available silicon-based fertilizers to promote rice growth and prevent phosphorus saturation is critical for the world’s food supply.

Rice is a staple, helping to nourish more than half of the world’s population.

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