Crusts: biological
Edited by: Scott A. Elias
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Abstract
Biological soil crusts, a community of cyanobacteria, lichens, mosses, and fungi, are an essential part of dryland ecosystems. They are critical in the stabilization of soils, protecting them from wind and water erosion. Similarly, these soil surface communities also stabilized soils on early Earth, allowing vascular plants to establish. They contribute nitrogen and carbon to otherwise relatively infertile dryland soils, and have a strong influence on hydrologic cycles. Their presence can also influence vascular plant establishment and nutrition.
Suggested Citation
Belnap, J., 2013, Crusts: biological, chap. of Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.05131-9.
| Publication type | Book chapter |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Book Chapter |
| Title | Crusts: biological |
| DOI | 10.1016/B978-0-12-409548-9.05131-9 |
| Year Published | 2013 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Elsevier |
| Contributing office(s) | Southwest Biological Science Center |
| Larger Work Type | Book |
| Larger Work Subtype | Other Government Series |
| Larger Work Title | Reference Module in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences |
| Online Only (Y/N) | Y |