Oil-palm management alters the spatial distribution of amorphous silica and mobile silicon in topsoils

Greenshields, Britta; von der Lühe, Barbara; Hughes, Harold James; Stiegler, Christian; Tarigan, Suria; Tjoa, Aiyen; Sauer, Daniela

doi:https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-281

Preprints

https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-281

Preprints

07 Jun 2022

| 07 Jun 2022

Oil-palm management alters the spatial distribution of amorphous silica and mobile silicon in topsoils

Britta Greenshields, Barbara von der Lühe, Harold James Hughes, Christian Stiegler, Suria Tarigan, Aiyen Tjoa, and Daniela Sauer

Abstract. Effects of oil-palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) management on silicon (Si) cycling under smallholder oil-palm plantations have hardly been investigated. As oil palms are Si accumulators, we hypothesized that management practices and topsoil erosion may cause Si losses and changes in spatial Si concentration patterns in topsoils under oil-palm cultivation. To test this hypothesis, we took topsoil samples under mature oil-palm plantations in well-drained and riparian areas of Jambi Province, Indonesia. The samples were taken from four different management zones within each oil-palm plot: palm circles, oil-palm rows, interrows and below frond piles. We quantified mobile Si (Si_M) and Si in amorphous silica (Si_Am) by CaCl₂ and NaCO₃ extraction, respectively. Both fractions are important Si pools in soils and are essential for plant-soil Si cycling. We further installed sediment traps on sloping, well-drained oil-palm plantations to estimate the annual loss of soil and Si_Am caused by erosion. In well-drained areas, mean topsoil Si_Am concentrations were significantly higher below frond piles (3.97 ±1.54 mg g^-1) compared to palm circles (1.71± 0.35 mg g^-1), oil-palm rows (1.87 ± 0.51 mg g^-1) and interrows (1.88 ± 0.39 mg g^-1). In riparian areas, highest mean topsoil Si_Am concentrations were also found below frond piles (2.96 ± 0.36 mg g^-1) and in grass-covered interrows (2.71 ± 0.13 mg g^-1), whereas topsoil Si_Am concentrations of palm circles were much lower (1.44 ± 0.55 mg g^-1). We attributed the high Si_Am concentrations in topsoils under frond piles and in grass-covered interrows to phytolith release from decaying oil-palm fronds, grasses, and sedges. The significantly lower Si_Am concentrations in palm circles (in both well-drained and riparian areas), oil-palm rows and unvegetated interrows (only in well-drained areas) were explained by a lack of litter return to these management zones. Mean topsoil Si_M concentrations were in a range of ~10 – 20 µg g^-1. They tended to be higher in riparian areas, but the differences between well-drained and riparian sites were not statistically significant. Soil-loss calculations based on erosion traps confirmed that topsoil erosion was considerable in oil-palm interrows on slopes. Erosion estimates were in a range of 4 – 6 Mg ha^-1 yr^-1, involving Si_Am losses in a range of 5 – 9 kg^-1 ha^-1 yr^-1. Based on the observed spatial Si patterns, we concluded that smallholders could efficiently reduce erosion and support Si cycling within the system by (1) maintaining a vegetation cover in oil-palm rows and interrows, (2) incorporating oil-palm litter into farm management and (3) preventing soil compaction and surface-crust formation.

Received: 29 Apr 2022 – Discussion started: 07 Jun 2022

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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

15 Mar 2023

Oil-palm management alters the spatial distribution of amorphous silica and mobile silicon in topsoils

Britta Greenshields, Barbara von der Lühe, Harold J. Hughes, Christian Stiegler, Suria Tarigan, Aiyen Tjoa, and Daniela Sauer

SOIL, 9, 169–188, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-169-2023,https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-169-2023, 2023

Short summary

Britta Greenshields, Barbara von der Lühe, Harold James Hughes, Christian Stiegler, Suria Tarigan, Aiyen Tjoa, and Daniela Sauer

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

RC1:
'Comment on egusphere-2022-281', Anonymous Referee #1, 17 Nov 2022

Greenshields et al. have completed a study regarding the effects of oil-palm plantation management on the spatial distribution of silica in soil. Topsoil samples in different “management zones” were taken from four well-drained and four riparian sites of smallholder oil-palm plantations. Additionally, sediment traps were installed and monitored for one year at the well-drained sites. The authors found that there were significant differences in the topsoil concentrations of both mobile silicon and amorphous silica across the different management zones, with the highest concentrations occurring under frond piles (e.g., plant litter). Furthermore, the data from the sediment traps indicated that biogenic amorphous silica may be preferentially eroded from topsoil. As biogenic amorphous silica was found to be an important source of mobile silicon, preventing soil erosion would increase the pool of mobile silicon available to the oil-palms.

General comments: I recommend that the manuscript be accepted with some revision. The topic clearly fits into the scope of SOIL and is of multidisciplinary interest as it aims to increase the sustainability of oil-palm plantations. The study design and methods are clear and could be reproduced. The results are fully explained and the discussion references relevant literature. Based on the results, the conclusions are warranted.

However, there could be some discussion about how the soil type and characteristics might affect Si cycling in these systems. And while pedogenic Si might be a less substantial source in topsoils, the mineralogy of the underlying geology could be expanded upon in Lines 112-114.

To reinforce the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the discussion/conclusion might include reference to any planned outreach and whether the recommendations listed would be likely to be adopted by small plantations in the area.

Finally, in the interest of completeness, all of the data from the topsoil samples should be reported in the Appendix, not just the means.

Specific comments:

Line 70: Should be “contribute to a lesser extent”

Line 200: Provide the citations for the R packages.

Figure 2: Indicate specifically what an a and b mean regarding the significant differences.

Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-281-RC1
- AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Britta Greenshields, 18 Dec 2022
  
  Egusphere-2022-281
  Author’s response for reviewer #1
  Dear reviewer,
  Thank you for your positive feedback and for your valuable comments that help us to improve the manuscript. Below we respond to your comments and explain how we plan to revise the manuscript.
  Reviewer’s remarks are highlighted in bold:
  
  General response:
  General comment:
  
  I recommend that the manuscript be accepted with some revision. The topic clearly fits into the scope of SOIL and is of multidisciplinary interest as it aims to increase the sustainability of oil-palm plantations. The study design and methods are clear and could be reproduced. The results are fully explained and the discussion references relevant literature. Based on the results, the conclusions are warranted. However, there could be some discussion about how the soil type and characteristics might affect Si cycling in these systems. And while pedogenic Si might be a less substantial source in topsoils, the mineralogy of the underlying geology could be expanded upon in Lines 112-114.
  Thank you for this comment. We agree that it will be useful to include some additional information in section 4.1, ll 281-285 on how soil type and soil characteristics might affect Si cycling in oil-palm systems. We will do this in a revised manuscript. Furthermore, in section 2.1, l 114, we will provide some information on the mineralogy of the soils, quartz, kaolinite, and Fe-Al oxides being the most abundant minerals.
  To reinforce the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the discussion/conclusion might include reference to any planned outreach and whether the recommendations listed would be likely to be adopted by small plantations in the area.
  In the conclusion, we will include a finalizing sentence, describing which conditions would be necessary for smallholder farmers to implement the suggested measures, e.g., that the costs to implement these measures would have to be affordable.
  Finally, in the interest of completeness, all of the data from the topsoil samples should be reported in the Appendix, not just the means.
  Yes, we agree. In a revised manuscript, we will report not only the means but also the data prior to the calculation of means, so that an interested reader can also look at the variability.
  
  Specific response:
  Specific comments:
  Line 70: Should be “contribute to a lesser extent
  
  Thank you. We will rephrase the sentence accordingly.
  Line 200: Provide the citations for the R packages.
  
  Yes, sorry and thank you for this remark. We will cite the R packages we used.
  Figure 2: Indicate specifically what an a and b mean regarding the significant differences.
  
  Thank you for pointing this out. We will add it to Figure 2 accordingly.
  
  In the revised manuscript, we will highlight all changes by reviewer #1 in yellow, all changes by reviewer #2 in green, and all general comments to improve the readability and completeness of this study in grey.
  
  Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-281-AC1
RC2:
'Comment on egusphere-2022-281', Anonymous Referee #2, 21 Nov 2022
Si plays an important role in terrestrial biogeochemical cycling. The study analyzed the spatial distribution of amorphous silica and mobile silicon in topsoil of oil-palm plantations. And the authors concluded that smallholders could efficiently reduce erosion and support Si cycling within the system by (1) maintaining a vegetation cover in oil-palm rows and interrows, (2) incorporating oil-palm litter into farm management and (3) preventing soil compaction and surface-crust formation. The paper was very interesting and well written. I recommend the paper publishing on EGUsphere after minor revision.

Figure should be redone. Color Figures are more expressive and easier for readers to understand, especially for Figure 1.

PCoA ordination plot combined with multiple analysis of variance (adonis) may better reveal the research results.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-281-RC2
- AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Britta Greenshields, 18 Dec 2022
  
  Egusphere-2022-281
  Author’s response for reviewer #2
  Dear reviewer,
  Thank you very much for your positive evaluation of our manuscript and for your valuable recommendations to improve the manuscript. Below, we respond to your proposed changes and explain how we plan to revise the manuscript.
  
  Reviewer’s remarks are highlighted in bold:
  
  General response:
  
  General comment:
  Si plays an important role in terrestrial biogeochemical cycling. The study analyzed the spatial distribution of amorphous silica and mobile silicon in topsoil of oil-palm plantations. And the authors concluded that smallholders could efficiently reduce erosion and support Si cycling within the system by (1) maintaining a vegetation cover in oil-palm rows and interrows, (2) incorporating oil-palm litter into farm management and (3) preventing soil compaction and surface-crust formation. The paper was very interesting and well written. I recommend the paper publishing on EGUsphere after minor revision.
  Thank you for supporting the publication of our work after minor revision.
  
  Detailed response:
  
  Detailed comment:
  Figure should be redone. Color Figures are more expressive and easier for readers to understand, especially for Figure 1.
  Thank you for your feedback. We originally preferred black and white figures, but we agree that coloured figures can make it easier for the reader to catch the information at first glance. In a revised manuscript, we will therefore use some unobtrusive colour in figures 1 and 2 to enhance comprehension. In the document attached, please find our new proposal for Figure 1.
  PCoA ordination plot combined with multiple analysis of variance (adonis) may better reveal the research results.
  Thank you for this comment. Indeed, PCoA ordination plot combined with multiple analysis of variance (adonis) is a very useful tool. We thought about this idea but came to the conclusion that our study set up and situation is quite clearly defined: the management practice of frond-pile stacking being the key factor, whereas all other parameters are very similar within a plot; a good understanding of the causal relationships underlying the observed spatial pattern (general principal of phytolith release from decomposing palm fronds as an easily mobilizable Si source). In our case, the focus of the statistical analysis was more on testing the observed differences for statistical significance than on exploring e.g., any clustering. For this reason, it seems more straightforward and appropriate to us to use the tests that we have described in the manuscript.
  
  In the revised manuscript, we will highlight all changes based on recommendations of reviewer #1 in yellow, all changes based on comments of reviewer #2 in green, and all general changes to improve the readability of the manuscript in grey.
  
  Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-281-AC2

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

RC1:
'Comment on egusphere-2022-281', Anonymous Referee #1, 17 Nov 2022

Greenshields et al. have completed a study regarding the effects of oil-palm plantation management on the spatial distribution of silica in soil. Topsoil samples in different “management zones” were taken from four well-drained and four riparian sites of smallholder oil-palm plantations. Additionally, sediment traps were installed and monitored for one year at the well-drained sites. The authors found that there were significant differences in the topsoil concentrations of both mobile silicon and amorphous silica across the different management zones, with the highest concentrations occurring under frond piles (e.g., plant litter). Furthermore, the data from the sediment traps indicated that biogenic amorphous silica may be preferentially eroded from topsoil. As biogenic amorphous silica was found to be an important source of mobile silicon, preventing soil erosion would increase the pool of mobile silicon available to the oil-palms.

General comments: I recommend that the manuscript be accepted with some revision. The topic clearly fits into the scope of SOIL and is of multidisciplinary interest as it aims to increase the sustainability of oil-palm plantations. The study design and methods are clear and could be reproduced. The results are fully explained and the discussion references relevant literature. Based on the results, the conclusions are warranted.

However, there could be some discussion about how the soil type and characteristics might affect Si cycling in these systems. And while pedogenic Si might be a less substantial source in topsoils, the mineralogy of the underlying geology could be expanded upon in Lines 112-114.

To reinforce the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the discussion/conclusion might include reference to any planned outreach and whether the recommendations listed would be likely to be adopted by small plantations in the area.

Finally, in the interest of completeness, all of the data from the topsoil samples should be reported in the Appendix, not just the means.

Specific comments:

Line 70: Should be “contribute to a lesser extent”

Line 200: Provide the citations for the R packages.

Figure 2: Indicate specifically what an a and b mean regarding the significant differences.

Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-281-RC1
- AC1: 'Reply on RC1', Britta Greenshields, 18 Dec 2022
  
  Egusphere-2022-281
  Author’s response for reviewer #1
  Dear reviewer,
  Thank you for your positive feedback and for your valuable comments that help us to improve the manuscript. Below we respond to your comments and explain how we plan to revise the manuscript.
  Reviewer’s remarks are highlighted in bold:
  
  General response:
  General comment:
  
  I recommend that the manuscript be accepted with some revision. The topic clearly fits into the scope of SOIL and is of multidisciplinary interest as it aims to increase the sustainability of oil-palm plantations. The study design and methods are clear and could be reproduced. The results are fully explained and the discussion references relevant literature. Based on the results, the conclusions are warranted. However, there could be some discussion about how the soil type and characteristics might affect Si cycling in these systems. And while pedogenic Si might be a less substantial source in topsoils, the mineralogy of the underlying geology could be expanded upon in Lines 112-114.
  Thank you for this comment. We agree that it will be useful to include some additional information in section 4.1, ll 281-285 on how soil type and soil characteristics might affect Si cycling in oil-palm systems. We will do this in a revised manuscript. Furthermore, in section 2.1, l 114, we will provide some information on the mineralogy of the soils, quartz, kaolinite, and Fe-Al oxides being the most abundant minerals.
  To reinforce the interdisciplinary nature of the work, the discussion/conclusion might include reference to any planned outreach and whether the recommendations listed would be likely to be adopted by small plantations in the area.
  In the conclusion, we will include a finalizing sentence, describing which conditions would be necessary for smallholder farmers to implement the suggested measures, e.g., that the costs to implement these measures would have to be affordable.
  Finally, in the interest of completeness, all of the data from the topsoil samples should be reported in the Appendix, not just the means.
  Yes, we agree. In a revised manuscript, we will report not only the means but also the data prior to the calculation of means, so that an interested reader can also look at the variability.
  
  Specific response:
  Specific comments:
  Line 70: Should be “contribute to a lesser extent
  
  Thank you. We will rephrase the sentence accordingly.
  Line 200: Provide the citations for the R packages.
  
  Yes, sorry and thank you for this remark. We will cite the R packages we used.
  Figure 2: Indicate specifically what an a and b mean regarding the significant differences.
  
  Thank you for pointing this out. We will add it to Figure 2 accordingly.
  
  In the revised manuscript, we will highlight all changes by reviewer #1 in yellow, all changes by reviewer #2 in green, and all general comments to improve the readability and completeness of this study in grey.
  
  Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-281-AC1
RC2:
'Comment on egusphere-2022-281', Anonymous Referee #2, 21 Nov 2022
Si plays an important role in terrestrial biogeochemical cycling. The study analyzed the spatial distribution of amorphous silica and mobile silicon in topsoil of oil-palm plantations. And the authors concluded that smallholders could efficiently reduce erosion and support Si cycling within the system by (1) maintaining a vegetation cover in oil-palm rows and interrows, (2) incorporating oil-palm litter into farm management and (3) preventing soil compaction and surface-crust formation. The paper was very interesting and well written. I recommend the paper publishing on EGUsphere after minor revision.

Figure should be redone. Color Figures are more expressive and easier for readers to understand, especially for Figure 1.

PCoA ordination plot combined with multiple analysis of variance (adonis) may better reveal the research results.
Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-281-RC2
- AC2: 'Reply on RC2', Britta Greenshields, 18 Dec 2022
  
  Egusphere-2022-281
  Author’s response for reviewer #2
  Dear reviewer,
  Thank you very much for your positive evaluation of our manuscript and for your valuable recommendations to improve the manuscript. Below, we respond to your proposed changes and explain how we plan to revise the manuscript.
  
  Reviewer’s remarks are highlighted in bold:
  
  General response:
  
  General comment:
  Si plays an important role in terrestrial biogeochemical cycling. The study analyzed the spatial distribution of amorphous silica and mobile silicon in topsoil of oil-palm plantations. And the authors concluded that smallholders could efficiently reduce erosion and support Si cycling within the system by (1) maintaining a vegetation cover in oil-palm rows and interrows, (2) incorporating oil-palm litter into farm management and (3) preventing soil compaction and surface-crust formation. The paper was very interesting and well written. I recommend the paper publishing on EGUsphere after minor revision.
  Thank you for supporting the publication of our work after minor revision.
  
  Detailed response:
  
  Detailed comment:
  Figure should be redone. Color Figures are more expressive and easier for readers to understand, especially for Figure 1.
  Thank you for your feedback. We originally preferred black and white figures, but we agree that coloured figures can make it easier for the reader to catch the information at first glance. In a revised manuscript, we will therefore use some unobtrusive colour in figures 1 and 2 to enhance comprehension. In the document attached, please find our new proposal for Figure 1.
  PCoA ordination plot combined with multiple analysis of variance (adonis) may better reveal the research results.
  Thank you for this comment. Indeed, PCoA ordination plot combined with multiple analysis of variance (adonis) is a very useful tool. We thought about this idea but came to the conclusion that our study set up and situation is quite clearly defined: the management practice of frond-pile stacking being the key factor, whereas all other parameters are very similar within a plot; a good understanding of the causal relationships underlying the observed spatial pattern (general principal of phytolith release from decomposing palm fronds as an easily mobilizable Si source). In our case, the focus of the statistical analysis was more on testing the observed differences for statistical significance than on exploring e.g., any clustering. For this reason, it seems more straightforward and appropriate to us to use the tests that we have described in the manuscript.
  
  In the revised manuscript, we will highlight all changes based on recommendations of reviewer #1 in yellow, all changes based on comments of reviewer #2 in green, and all general changes to improve the readability of the manuscript in grey.
  
  Citation: https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2022-281-AC2

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload

ED: Revision (19 Dec 2022) by Ember Morrissey

AR by Britta Greenshields on behalf of the Authors (27 Jan 2023) Author's response Author's tracked changes Manuscript

ED: Publish subject to technical corrections (30 Jan 2023) by Ember Morrissey

ED: Publish as is (06 Feb 2023) by Engracia Madejón Rodríguez (Executive editor)

AR by Britta Greenshields on behalf of the Authors (10 Feb 2023) Author's response Manuscript

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

15 Mar 2023

Oil-palm management alters the spatial distribution of amorphous silica and mobile silicon in topsoils

Britta Greenshields, Barbara von der Lühe, Harold J. Hughes, Christian Stiegler, Suria Tarigan, Aiyen Tjoa, and Daniela Sauer

SOIL, 9, 169–188, https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-169-2023,https://doi.org/10.5194/soil-9-169-2023, 2023

Short summary

Britta Greenshields, Barbara von der Lühe, Harold James Hughes, Christian Stiegler, Suria Tarigan, Aiyen Tjoa, and Daniela Sauer

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Short summary

Silicon (Si) research could provide complimentary measures in sustainably cultivating oil-palm monocultures. Our study shows that current oil-palm management practices and topsoil erosion on oil-palm plantations in Indonesia have caused a spatial distribution of essential soil Si pools. A lack of well-balanced Si levels in topsoil could negatively affect crop yield and soil fertility for a future replanting at the same plantation site. Potential measures are suggested to maintain Si cycling.


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