Erosion by wind is one of the principal processes associated with land degradation in
drylands and is a significant concern to land managers and policymakers globally. In the …

Drylands encompass over 40% of terrestrial ecosystems and face significant anthropogenic
degradation causing a loss of ecosystem integrity, services, and deterioration of social …

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) form a Bliving skin^ at the soil surface in many low-
productivity ecosystems around the world including water-and cold-limited environments …

Biological soil crusts (biocrust) are microbial communities that develop at the soil surface of
drylands and play an important role in erosion control and fertility. Soil surface disturbance …

Biocrusts cover~ 30% of global drylands with a prominent role in the biogeochemical cycles.
Theoretically, biocrusts, vascular plants, and bare soil can represent multiple stable states in …

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are a central component of dryland ecosystems. However,
they are highly vulnerable to disturbance and natural recovery may be slow. Therefore …

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are communities of microbes that inhabit the surface of arid
soils and provide essential services to dryland ecosystems. While resistant to extreme …

Cyanobacteria inoculation to promote biocrust formation and improve soil properties has
shown positive results in indoor studies, but limited success when applied under field …

Methods to reduce soil loss and associated loss of ecosystem functions due to land
degradation are of particular importance in dryland ecosystems. Biocrusts are communities …

As dryland degradation continues, it is increasingly important to understand how to
effectively restore biocrust communities. Potential techniques include the addition of biocrust …