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Succession Stages in the Recovery Processes of the Topsoil Crust in a Disturbed Sandy Arid Area

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Arid Dune Ecosystems

Part of the book series: Ecological Studies ((ECOLSTUD,volume 200))

Biological crusts (called also microphytic, microbiotic or microbial crusts) are top-soil crusts, 1–5 mm thick. They are composed of a variety of biological elements (cyanobacteria, lichens, mosses, fungi, yeast and algae) and of fine-grained mate-rial (Chap. 10, this volume). They are highly resistant to extreme temperatures, and are widespread in arid and semi-arid areas. The important role of microphytic crusts in arid ecosystems is now widely recognized (see reviews by Isichei 1990; West 1990; Belnap 1994; Belnap and Lange 2001). Many studies stress their role in the stabilization of sandy areas, protecting the soil against wind or runoff erosion (Booth 1941; Fletcher and Martin 1948; Metting 1981; Campbell et al. 1989; Daninet al. 1989; Pluis and de Winder 1990; Pye and Tsoar 1990; Danin 1996; Belnap and Gillette 1997). Other studies focus on their important role in the cycling of nutrients, especially in nitrogen fixation (Stewart 1967; Lange 1974; Skujins and Klubek 1978; Isichei 1980; Wang et al. 1981; Harper and Pendleton 1993).

Their role in seed germination is controversial. Some authors contend that biological crusts, acting as traps of fine material, improve water and nutrient regimes, thereby enhancing seed germination, survival and growth of higher plants (Shields and Durell 1964; Belnap 1995; Kadmon and Leshner 1995; Eldridge and Tozer 1997). Dulieu et al. (1977) adopt a reverse position. They consider that compacted algal crusts limit germination and productivity in grazing lands. A similar controversy exists regarding their hydrological role. Much of the literature reports conflicting information on the relationship between crust cover, infiltration, runoff and soil water regime. Some authors claim that the crusts tend to increase infiltration, thereby enhancing the depth of water infiltration and soil moisture content (Booth 1941; Fletcher and Martin 1948; Loope and Gifford 1972; Brotherson et al. 1983; Belnap and Gardner 1993; Perez 1997; Eldridge and Tozer 1997).

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Authors
  1. A. Yair
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Ecology, University of Bielefeld, Wasserfuhr 24-26, Bielefeld, 33619, Germany

    Siegmar-W. Breckle

  2. Department of Geography, Mount Scopus Campus, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, 91905, Israel

    Aaron Yair

  3. Institute of Botany, Experimental Botany, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, 70599, Germany

    Maik Veste

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Yair, A. (2008). Succession Stages in the Recovery Processes of the Topsoil Crust in a Disturbed Sandy Arid Area. In: Breckle, SW., Yair, A., Veste, M. (eds) Arid Dune Ecosystems. Ecological Studies, vol 200. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-75498-5_20

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