Biological Soil Crusts: Structure, Function, and Management (Paperback, Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2003)

In arid lands, where vegetation is sparse or absent, the open ground is not bare but generally covered by a community of small, highly specialized organisms. Cyanobacteria, algae, microfungi, lichens, and bryophytes aggregate soil particles to form a coherent skin - the biological soil crust. It stabilizes and protects the soil surface from erosion by wind and water, influences water runoff and infiltration, and contributes nitrogen and carbon to desert soils. Soil surface disturbance, such as heavy livestock grazing, human trampling or off-road vehicles, breaks up the fragile soil crust, thus compromising its stability, structure, and productivity. This book is the first synthesis of the biology of soil crusts and their importance as an ecosystem component. Composition and functioning of different soil-crust types are discussed, and case studies are used to show the impact of crusts on landscape hydrology, soil stability, nutrient cycles, and land management.

General

Imprint:	Springer-Verlag
Country of origin:	Germany
Series:	Ecological Studies, 150
Release date:	October 2002
First published:	2003
Editors:	Jayne Belnap • Otto L. Lange
Dimensions:	235 x 155 x 30mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	506
Edition:	Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2003
ISBN-13:	978-3-540-43757-4
Categories:	Books > Science & Mathematics > Biology, life sciences > Life sciences: general issues > Ecological science, the Biosphere Books > Earth & environment > Earth sciences > Geology & the lithosphere > Soil science, sedimentology
LSN:	3-540-43757-6
Barcode:	9783540437574

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