Silicon-Mediated Adjustments in C:N:P Ratios for Improved Beetroot Yield under Ammonium-Induced Stress Dilier Olivera-Viciedo, Daimy Salas Aguilar, Renato de Mello Prado, Kolima Peña Calzada, Alexander Calero Hurtado, et al. Agronomy, 2024 Nitrogen (N) holds a prominent position in the metabolic system of plants, as it is a main constituent of amino acids, which are the basic building blocks of proteins and enzymes. Plants primarily absorb N in the form of ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−). However, most plants exhibit severe toxicity symptoms when exposed to NH4+ as the sole N source. Addressing NH4+ stress requires effective strategies, and the use of silicon (Si) has shown promising results. However, there is a lack of underlying studies on the impact of NH4+ toxicity on C:N:P stoichiometric balance and the role of Si in these ratios. In this study, we explored the effects of varying NH4+ concentrations (1, 7.5, 15, 22.5, and 30 mmol L−1) on the C:N:P stoichiometry and yield of beetroot in hydroponic conditions. Additionally, we investigated whether the application of Si (2 mmol L−1) could mitigate the detrimental effects caused by toxic NH4+ levels. The experiment followed a randomized block design based on a 5 × 2 factorial scheme with four replicates. Results revealed that in the presence of Si, both [N] and [P] significantly increased in shoots and roots, peaking at 15 mmol L−1 of NH4+ in the nutrient solution. While shoot [C] remained stable, root [C] increased with NH4+ concentrations of 22.5 and 30 mmol L−1, respectively. Moreover, shoot and root [Si] increased with higher NH4+ levels in the nutrient solution. The findings underscored homeostatic instability under the highest NH4+ levels, particularly in plants cultivated without Si in the nutritive solution, leading to a reduction in both shoot and root dry matter production.
Can Organic P Inputs Alleviate P Limitation Effects on Nutrient Uptake and Biological N2-Fixing Capacity of Hairy Vetch (Vicia villosa)? Daniel Said-Pullicino, Rodolfo Lizcano Toledo, Cristina Lerda, Maria Martin, Flavio Fornasier, et al. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 2022 Phosphorus (P) is a limiting nutrient in many agroecosystems and, apart from affecting plant growth, can also limit biological N2 fixation (BNF) by leguminous plants. Thus, increasing P supply can have a positive effect on BNF particularly in P-deficient soils. Here, we provide new insights into the response of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), widely adopted as a legume cover crop, to P limitations, by comparing the effects of inorganic (Pi) and organic (Po) P supply on plant growth and BNF capacity. This was achieved by means of a greenhouse experiment in which rhizobia-inoculated hairy vetch was grown in a P-limited agricultural soil and changes in plant growth, nitrogen (N) and P uptake, BNF capacity, and soil phosphatases activities were evaluated as a function of Pi and Po inputs, in the form of orthophosphate or phytic acid, respectively. When compared to P-deficient conditions where BNF was primarily limited by plant growth rather than directly due to the high P costs of symbiotic N fixation, Pi addition substantially enhanced plant growth (threefold), nodule formation (16-fold), P acquisition (sixfold), and BNF efficiency (sevenfold). In contrast, even with the addition of the highest dose of Po, the increase in plant growth, nodule formation, P acquisition, and BNF capacity (1.7, 3.5, 2.4 and 2.1-fold, respectively) was much less expressed, indicating that hairy vetch could only minimally access Po sources over the growth period in order to alleviate the P limitation effect on N2 fixation in under P-deficient conditions. These findings suggest that hairy vetch will not be able to provide sufficient BNF for improving soil N inputs in low-fertility cropping systems that rely on organic inputs.
Cover Crops Increase N and P Cycling and Rice Productivity in Temperate Cropping Systems Rodolfo Lizcano Toledo, Cristina Lerda, Barbara Moretti, Eleonora Miniotti, Veronica Santoro, et al. Agronomy, 2022 Cover crops can determine positive benefits on soil fertility and rice productivity, although scant attention has been devoted to evaluating the effects of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) and the incorporation of rice straw with different N fertilization levels on soil N and P availability and crop yields in temperate cropping systems characterized by poorly developed soils. In this study, the effects of cover crops grown before rice in a temperate mono-cropping system (NW Italy) on: (i) crop yields and yield components; (ii) apparent N fertilizer recovery and optimal level of N fertilization with hairy vetch; and (iii) temporal variation of soil available N and P forms during the hairy vetch growth and rice cropping season, have been investigated. The cultivation and incorporation of hairy vetch in the rice cropping system increased grain productivity by 12%, while reducing N mineral fertilization requirements by 33%. Combined with the incorporation of crop residues, hairy vetch provided a N and P input of 178 and 18 kg ha−1, respectively, representing a readily available source for plant uptake over the whole rice cropping season, particularly under anaerobic conditions. This results in a better temporal synchronization of soil N and P availability with crop nutrient demand, leading to a better rice grain productivity and quality performance.
Phosphorus dynamics in the soil–plant–environment relationship in cropping systems: A review Rodolfo Lizcano-Toledo, Marino Pedro Reyes-Martín, Luisella Celi, Emilia Fernández-Ondoño Applied Sciences Switzerland, 2021 This work performs a review of the relevant aspects of agronomic dynamics of phosphorus (P) in the soil–plant relationship as a community (crop ecophysiology), the effect of environmental conditions and global warming on the redistribution and translocation of P in some crop, and the use of good agricultural practices with the aim of improving the efficiency of the element. The research focuses on Northern Europe, North-Eastern Asia, Oceania, North America, and the tropical area of Latin America. This review covers general research and specific works on P found in the literature, 70% of which date from the last 10 years, as well as some older studies that have been of great relevance as references and starting points for more recent investigations. The dynamics of P in a system implies taking into account genetic aspects of the plant, component of the soil–plant–fertilizer–environment relationship, and use of technologies at the molecular level. In addition, in a climate change scenario, the availability of this element can significantly change depending on whether it is labile or non-labile.
Silicon Supplementation Alleviates Ammonium Toxicity in Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.) Dilier Olivera Viciedo, Renato de Mello Prado, Rodolfo Lizcano Toledo, Luiz Claudio Nascimento dos Santos, Alexander Calero Hurtado, et al. Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, 2019 The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relationship between Si and NH4+ toxicity in the context of the nutrition, physiology, and production of sugar beet grown using hydroponics. We hypothesized that NH4+ affects the physiology of the plant, accumulation of nutrients, and dry matter, with the possibility for Si to mitigate this toxicity. The experimental design used was completely randomized, in a factorial scheme of 2 × 5, corresponding with the absence and presence of Si (2 mmol L−1) and five concentrations of NH4+ with four replicates. The following series of physiological evaluations were carried out: photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, with the use of an infrared gas analyzer (LICOR, Inc., LI-6400), the dry biomass, N and Si accumulation, and Si use efficiency in the roots. Accumulation of N and photosynthesis in the leaves was higher in the presence of Si. An increase of NH4+ increased transpiration, especially in the plants cultivated without the incorporation of Si. Stomatal conductance was lower in the presence of Si. Dry matter was reduced when plants were exposed to higher concentrations of NH4+, showing a greater reduction in the root than in the aerial part. The use of NH4+ equal to or higher than 15 mmol L−1 damaged the photosynthesis. Transpiration and stomatal conductance were less affected in the presence of Si and in the accumulation of N and Si in the roots. Dry matter was reduced when plants were exposed to higher concentrations of NH4+, and this effect was mitigated in the presence of Si.
Response of radish seedlings (Raphanus sativus L.) to different concentrations of ammoniacal nitrogen in absence and presence of silicon Dilier Olivera Viciedo, Renato De Mello Prado, Rodolfo Lizcano Toledo, Luiz Cláudio Nascimento dos Santos, Kolima Peña Calzada Agronomia Colombiana, 2017 There are unknown thresholds about the effects of ammonia toxicity in the cultivation of radish and its prejudice is higher in the root than in the aerial part, been the use of silicon an alternative to mitigate this toxicity. The objective was to evaluate the response of radish crop to different concentrations of an ammonium nutrient solution in the absence and presence of silicon under greenhouse conditions. After 30 days of germination were evaluated photosynthesis, green color index, stomatal conductance, transpiration, leaf area, tap root diameter, dry matter accumulation of nitrogen and silicon in shoot parts and roots respectively. Ammonia toxicity in radish decreased photosynthesis, transpiration, and stomatal conductance, having greater prejudice in the dry matter accumulation of root and aerial part, this effect was mitigated with the presence of silicon in the nutrient solution.
RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Morpho-physiological response to micronutrient deficiencies and nickel addition of passion fruit plants R Lizcano Toledo, WJ Melo, RM Prado, D Olivera Viciedo, ... Journal of Plant Nutrition 48 (4), 670-689 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Silicon-mediated adjustments in C: N: P ratios for improved beetroot yield under ammonium-induced stress D Olivera-Viciedo, D Salas Aguilar, R de Mello Prado, K Peña Calzada, ... Agronomy 14 (6), 1104 , 2024 2024 Citations: 8
Can Organic P Inputs Alleviate P Limitation Effects on Nutrient Uptake and Biological N 2 -Fixing Capacity of Hairy Vetch ( Vicia villosa )? D Said-Pullicino, R Lizcano Toledo, C Lerda, M Martin, F Fornasier, ... Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 22 (4), 4127-4137 , 2022 2022 Citations: 5
Cover crops increase N and P cycling and rice productivity in temperate cropping systems R Lizcano Toledo, C Lerda, B Moretti, E Miniotti, V Santoro, ... Agronomy 12 (9), 2193 , 2022 2022 Citations: 16
Sistemas de labranza del suelo y su efecto sobre cuatro variedades de algodón en Armero, Colombia R Lizcano Toledo, DG Rojas Pareja, JF Osorio Saravia, D Olivera Viciedo, ... Investigación Agraria 24 (1), 23-30 , 2022 2022 Citations: 7
Soil tillage systems and their effect on four cotton varieties in Armero, Colombia R Lizcano Toledo, DG Rojas Pareja, JF Osorio Saravia, D Olivera Viciedo, ... Investigación Agraria 24 (1), 23-30 , 2022 2022 Citations: 1
Estrategias para mejorar la disponibilidad de fósforo y reducir el impacto ambiental en agrosistemas de arroz R Lizcano Toledo Università degli Studi di Torino , 2022 2022
The role of silicon on C: N: P stoichiometry and yield of sugar beet under ammonium toxicity DO Viciedo, R de Mello Prado, K Peña, A Calero-Hurtado, ... 2022
Strategies to improve phosphorus availability and reduce environmental impact in rice agrosystems R Lizcano Toledo Universidad de Granada , 2022 2022 Citations: 2
Phosphorus dynamics in the soil–plant–environment relationship in cropping systems: A review R Lizcano-Toledo, MP Reyes-Martín, L Celi, E Fernández-Ondoño Applied Sciences 11 (23), 11133 , 2021 2021 Citations: 82
Physiological role of silicon in radish seedlings under ammonium toxicity D Olivera Viciedo, R de Mello Prado, R Lizcano Toledo, D Salas Aguilar, ... Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 100 (15), 5637-5644 , 2020 2020 Citations: 36
Silicon Supplementation Alleviates Ammonium Toxicity in Sugar Beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) DO Viciedo, R de Mello Prado, R Lizcano Toledo, LCN Dos Santos, ... Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 19 (2), 413-419 , 2019 2019 Citations: 83
Effects of inorganic and organic P availability on N fixing capacity of Vicia villosa R Lizcano Toledo, C Lerda, M Martin, R Gorra, I Mania, B Moretti, D Sacco, ... First Joint Meeting on Soil and Plant System Sciences (SPSS 2019). Natural … , 2019 2019 Citations: 1
Effects of land-use change on Nitisols properties in a tropical climate DO Viciedo, A Hernández, M Rodríguez, R Lizcano, A Calero, K Peña Revista Facultad Nacional de Agronomía Medellín 71 (3), 8601-8608 , 2018 2018 Citations: 23
Diagnóstico nutricional de cultivos en Colombia R Lizcano Toledo, D Saavedra Mora, YD Sánchez Trujillo, R Mello Prado, ... Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA) , 2018 2018 Citations: 2
Efectos del cambio de uso de la tierra en las propiedades de los Nitisoles en un clima tropical D Olivera Viciedo, A Hernández Jiménez, M Rodríguez González, ... 2018
Muestreo de Suelos, Técnicas de Laboratorio e Interpretación de Análisis de Suelos RT Dilier Olivera Viciedo 2017
Response of radish seedlings (Raphanus sativus L.) to different concentrations of ammoniacal nitrogen in absence and presence of silicon D Olivera Viciedo, R de Mello Prado, R Lizcano Toledo, ... Agronomía Colombiana 35 (2), 198-204 , 2017 2017 Citations: 23
Deficiência de micronutrientes e efeito do niquel no estado nutricional do maracujazeiro amarelo (Passiflora edulis Sims) R Lizcano Toledo Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) , 2017 2017 Citations: 1
Muestreo de suelos, técnicas de laboratorio e interpretación de análisis de suelos R Lizcano, D Olivera, D Saavedra, L Machado, E Rolando, MF Moreno, ... Centro de Formación Agroindustrial La Angostura Servicio Nacional de … , 2017 2017 Citations: 27
MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS
Silicon Supplementation Alleviates Ammonium Toxicity in Sugar Beet ( Beta vulgaris L.) DO Viciedo, R de Mello Prado, R Lizcano Toledo, LCN Dos Santos, ... Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 19 (2), 413-419 , 2019 2019 Citations: 83
Phosphorus dynamics in the soil–plant–environment relationship in cropping systems: A review R Lizcano-Toledo, MP Reyes-Martín, L Celi, E Fernández-Ondoño Applied Sciences 11 (23), 11133 , 2021 2021 Citations: 82
Physiological role of silicon in radish seedlings under ammonium toxicity D Olivera Viciedo, R de Mello Prado, R Lizcano Toledo, D Salas Aguilar, ... Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture 100 (15), 5637-5644 , 2020 2020 Citations: 36
Muestreo de suelos, técnicas de laboratorio e interpretación de análisis de suelos R Lizcano, D Olivera, D Saavedra, L Machado, E Rolando, MF Moreno, ... Centro de Formación Agroindustrial La Angostura Servicio Nacional de … , 2017 2017 Citations: 27
Effects of land-use change on Nitisols properties in a tropical climate DO Viciedo, A Hernández, M Rodríguez, R Lizcano, A Calero, K Peña Revista Facultad Nacional de Agronomía Medellín 71 (3), 8601-8608 , 2018 2018 Citations: 23
Response of radish seedlings (Raphanus sativus L.) to different concentrations of ammoniacal nitrogen in absence and presence of silicon D Olivera Viciedo, R de Mello Prado, R Lizcano Toledo, ... Agronomía Colombiana 35 (2), 198-204 , 2017 2017 Citations: 23
Aislamiento de Trichoderma sp., en las unidades productivas agrícolas del Centro de Formación Agroindustrial La Angostura de Campoalegre (Huila) CÁ Cubillos, MG Ramírez, RL Toledo Revista Agropecuaria y Agroindustrial La Angostura 1 (1), 15-20 , 2014 2014 Citations: 22
Cover crops increase N and P cycling and rice productivity in temperate cropping systems R Lizcano Toledo, C Lerda, B Moretti, E Miniotti, V Santoro, ... Agronomy 12 (9), 2193 , 2022 2022 Citations: 16
Muestreo de suelos, técnicas de laboratorio e interpretación de análisis de suelos R Lizcano Toledo, D Olivera Viciedo, D Saavedra Mora, ... Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA) , 2017 2017 Citations: 11
Silicon-mediated adjustments in C: N: P ratios for improved beetroot yield under ammonium-induced stress D Olivera-Viciedo, D Salas Aguilar, R de Mello Prado, K Peña Calzada, ... Agronomy 14 (6), 1104 , 2024 2024 Citations: 8
Sistemas de labranza del suelo y su efecto sobre cuatro variedades de algodón en Armero, Colombia R Lizcano Toledo, DG Rojas Pareja, JF Osorio Saravia, D Olivera Viciedo, ... Investigación Agraria 24 (1), 23-30 , 2022 2022 Citations: 7
Can Organic P Inputs Alleviate P Limitation Effects on Nutrient Uptake and Biological N 2 -Fixing Capacity of Hairy Vetch ( Vicia villosa )? D Said-Pullicino, R Lizcano Toledo, C Lerda, M Martin, F Fornasier, ... Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 22 (4), 4127-4137 , 2022 2022 Citations: 5
Morpho-physiological response to micronutrient deficiencies and nickel addition of passion fruit plants R Lizcano Toledo, WJ Melo, RM Prado, D Olivera Viciedo, ... Journal of Plant Nutrition 48 (4), 670-689 , 2025 2025 Citations: 3
Respuesta de las plántulas del rábano (Raphanus sativus L.) a diferentes concentraciones de nitrógeno amoniacal en ausencia y presencia de silicio D Olivera Viciedo, R de Mello Prado, R Lizcano Toledo, ... 2017 Citations: 3
Strategies to improve phosphorus availability and reduce environmental impact in rice agrosystems R Lizcano Toledo Universidad de Granada , 2022 2022 Citations: 2
Diagnóstico nutricional de cultivos en Colombia R Lizcano Toledo, D Saavedra Mora, YD Sánchez Trujillo, R Mello Prado, ... Servicio Nacional de Aprendizaje (SENA) , 2018 2018 Citations: 2
Soil tillage systems and their effect on four cotton varieties in Armero, Colombia R Lizcano Toledo, DG Rojas Pareja, JF Osorio Saravia, D Olivera Viciedo, ... Investigación Agraria 24 (1), 23-30 , 2022 2022 Citations: 1
Effects of inorganic and organic P availability on N fixing capacity of Vicia villosa R Lizcano Toledo, C Lerda, M Martin, R Gorra, I Mania, B Moretti, D Sacco, ... First Joint Meeting on Soil and Plant System Sciences (SPSS 2019). Natural … , 2019 2019 Citations: 1
Deficiência de micronutrientes e efeito do niquel no estado nutricional do maracujazeiro amarelo (Passiflora edulis Sims) R Lizcano Toledo Universidade Estadual Paulista (Unesp) , 2017 2017 Citations: 1
Estrategias para mejorar la disponibilidad de fósforo y reducir el impacto ambiental en agrosistemas de arroz R Lizcano Toledo Università degli Studi di Torino , 2022 2022
