English | 2016 | PDF | 15 MB | 218 Pages
Bettina Weber, Burkhard Büdel, Jayne Belnap
ISBNs: B01G01PBBK, 3319302140, 3319302124, 3319807528, 9783319302140, 9783319302126, 9783319807522, 978-3319302140, 978-3319302126, 978-3319807522
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.
