Biological Soil Crusts: An Organizing Principle in Drylands

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.