Biological Soil Crusts: An Organizing Principle In Drylands (ecological Studies)
by Burkhard Büdel /
2016 / English / PDF
14.7 MB Download
This volume summarizes our current understanding of biological
soil crusts (biocrusts), which are omnipresent in dryland
regions. Since they cover the soil surface, they influence, or
even control, all surface exchange processes. Being one of the
oldest terrestrial communities, biocrusts comprise a high
diversity of cyanobacteria, algae, lichens and bryophytes
together with uncounted bacteria, and fungi. The authors show
that biocrusts are an integral part of dryland ecosystems,
stabilizing soils, influencing plant germination and growth, and
playing a key role in carbon, nitrogen and water cycling. Initial
attempts have been made to use biocrusts as models in ecological
theory. On the other hand, biocrusts are endangered by local
disruptions and global change, highlighting the need for enhanced
recovery methods. This book offers a comprehensive overview of
the fascinating field of biocrust research, making it
indispensable not only for scientists in this area, but also for
land managers, policy makers, and anyone interested in the
environment.
This volume summarizes our current understanding of biological
soil crusts (biocrusts), which are omnipresent in dryland
regions. Since they cover the soil surface, they influence, or
even control, all surface exchange processes. Being one of the
oldest terrestrial communities, biocrusts comprise a high
diversity of cyanobacteria, algae, lichens and bryophytes
together with uncounted bacteria, and fungi. The authors show
that biocrusts are an integral part of dryland ecosystems,
stabilizing soils, influencing plant germination and growth, and
playing a key role in carbon, nitrogen and water cycling. Initial
attempts have been made to use biocrusts as models in ecological
theory. On the other hand, biocrusts are endangered by local
disruptions and global change, highlighting the need for enhanced
recovery methods. This book offers a comprehensive overview of
the fascinating field of biocrust research, making it
indispensable not only for scientists in this area, but also for
land managers, policy makers, and anyone interested in the
environment.
