Bioweathering, the biological transformation of Earth’s lithosphere, represents a critical intersection between geological and biological processes. This chapter examines the mechanisms, evidence, and applications of bioweathering, highlighting its potential to accelerate mineral dissolution on shorter timescales compared to traditional abiotic weathering. Central to this process is the rhizosphere — a hotspot of biogeochemical activity where plant root interactions and microbial dynamics significantly enhance mineral solubility and nutrient release. By analyzing experimental findings and advanced methodologies such as synchrotron-based spectroscopy and isotopic tracing, this work highlights the transformative implications of bioweathering for sustainable agriculture, nutrient cycling, and soil health. Special attention is given to the challenges and opportunities of integrating bioweathering into agricultural systems, including optimizing silicate mineral dissolution rates and leveraging secondary mineral phases to improve cation exchange capacity and long-term soil fertility. This chapter aims to bridge the gap between geological processes and practical agricultural applications, offering insights into how bioweathering can address the pressing demands of a changing world.

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Changing Time Scales: From Silicate Rocks to Agrominerals Through Bioweathering

  • Luise Lottici Krahl,
  • Giuliano Marchi,
  • Elis Marina de Freitas,
  • Luiz Fernando dos Santos,
  • Éder de Souza Martins

摘要

Bioweathering, the biological transformation of Earth’s lithosphere, represents a critical intersection between geological and biological processes. This chapter examines the mechanisms, evidence, and applications of bioweathering, highlighting its potential to accelerate mineral dissolution on shorter timescales compared to traditional abiotic weathering. Central to this process is the rhizosphere — a hotspot of biogeochemical activity where plant root interactions and microbial dynamics significantly enhance mineral solubility and nutrient release. By analyzing experimental findings and advanced methodologies such as synchrotron-based spectroscopy and isotopic tracing, this work highlights the transformative implications of bioweathering for sustainable agriculture, nutrient cycling, and soil health. Special attention is given to the challenges and opportunities of integrating bioweathering into agricultural systems, including optimizing silicate mineral dissolution rates and leveraging secondary mineral phases to improve cation exchange capacity and long-term soil fertility. This chapter aims to bridge the gap between geological processes and practical agricultural applications, offering insights into how bioweathering can address the pressing demands of a changing world.