DOCSLIB.ORG

Forest and Rangeland Soils of the United

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Forest and Rangeland Soils of the United Richard V. Pouyat Deborah S. Page-Dumroese Toral Patel-Weynand Linda H. Geiser Editors Forest and Rangeland Soils of the United States Under Changing Conditions A Comprehensive Science Synthesis Forest and Rangeland Soils of the United States Under Changing Conditions Richard V. Pouyat • Deborah S. Page-Dumroese Toral Patel-Weynand • Linda H. Geiser Editors Forest and Rangeland Soils of the United States Under Changing Conditions A Comprehensive Science Synthesis Editors Richard V. Pouyat Deborah S. Page-Dumroese Northern Research Station Rocky Mountain Research Station USDA Forest Service USDA Forest Service Newark, DE, USA Moscow, ID, USA Toral Patel-Weynand Linda H. Geiser Washington Office Washington Office USDA Forest Service USDA Forest Service Washington, DC, USA Washington, DC, USA ISBN 978-3-030-45215-5 ISBN 978-3-030-45216-2 (eBook) https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-45216-2 © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s) 2020 . This book is an open access publication. Open Access This book is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this book are included in the book’s Creative Commons license, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the book’s Creative Commons license and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors, and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations. Cover illustration: The soil around Lake Cleveland on the Sawtooth National Forest is formed in alluvium, colluvium, and residuum from a variety of sedimentary and metasedimentary rocks, dominantly quartzite. (Photo credit: USDA Forest Service) This Springer imprint is published by the registered company Springer Nature Switzerland AG. The registered company address is: Gewerbestrasse 11, 6330 Cham, Switzerland English Equivalents When you know Multiply by To find Millimeters (mm) 0.0394 Inches Centimeters (cm) 0.394 Inches Meters (m) 3.28 Feet Kilometers (km) 0.621 Miles Hectares (ha) 2.47 Acres Square meters 10.76 Square feet (m2) Square kilometers 0.386 Square miles (km2) Kilograms (kg) 2.205 Pounds Megagrams (Mg) 1 Tons Petagrams (Pg) 1,102,311,311 Tons Teragrams (Tg) 1,102,311.31 Tons Degrees Celsius 1.8 °C + 32 Degrees Fahrenheit (°C) v Executive Summary Overview and Purpose Soils have life-giving and life-sustaining capabilities that directly or indirectly support all liv- ing organisms. Humanity’s well-being and health are tied directly to the health of soils. Worldwide, soil processes contribute to an abundant supply of water, food, and fiber while also tempering a warming climate. More than 40% of global terrestrial carbon (C) is stored in the soils of forests, grasslands, and shrublands (Jackson et al. 2017). Forest and rangeland soils of the United States make a disproportionately large contribution to such ecosystem services compared to their geographic extent. Although forests and rangelands occupy only about one- third of the land area in the United States, they supply 80% of the surface freshwater (Sedell et al. 2000) and sequester 75% of the total C to a depth of 30 m stored in the nation (Liu et al. 2013). Ecosystem alterations associated with land-use change and other pressures may impair the ability of soils to fulfill their foundational role. Today, a number of disturbances compound the vulnerability of forest and rangeland soils across the United States. Of greatest concern are various environmental changes, continued overgrazing, catastrophic wildfire, and invasive plant and animal species. Effects on soil health (soil functions mediated by living organisms) are expected to be more severe when two or more of these disturbances or stressors interact with each other. Changes in the climate are likely to magnify or accelerate all of these impacts on forest and rangeland soils. However, great uncertainty surrounds predictions of climate-induced impacts because overall effects will depend on the magnitude of temperature and precipitation changes and the frequency of extreme events. The purpose of this report is to synthesize leading-edge science and management informa- tion about forest and rangeland soils of the United States, offer ways to better understand changing conditions and their impacts on soils, and explore directions that positively affect the future of forest and rangeland soil health. Other assessments provide similar information for agricultural soils, so agricultural soils are not included in this report. This report outlines soil processes and identifies the research needed to manage forest and rangeland soils in the United States. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the state of forest and rangeland soils research in the nation, including multidecadal studies. Chapters 2, 3, 4 and 5 summarize various human- caused and natural impacts and their effects on soil C, hydrology, biogeochemistry, and bio- logical diversity. Chapters 6 and 7 consider the effects of changing conditions on forest soils in wetland and urban settings, respectively. Impacts include: • Climatic variability and change. Shifts in precipitation patterns, temperature increases and variability, and increases in atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations affect plant productivity, flooding, nutrient cycling, and biological populations. Changes in climate, coupled with an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, have had, and will continue to have, direct and cascading indirect effects on soil formation and associ- ated productivity rates, as well as physical, chemical, and biological processes. • Severe wildfires. Regardless of origin, wildfires are becoming larger, more frequent, more intense, and are lasting longer. Severe wildland fires impact the C and nitrogen (N) in soils, vii viii Executive Summary alter the environment for various communities, and can change the trajectory of forest com- position. Fire may also form hydrophobic (water repellent) layers in soil. These layers, coupled with loss of vegetation, can lead to accelerated erosion and nutrient leaching. • Invasive species, pests, and diseases. The introduction of a wide range of invasive species, from microbes, macrofauna, and macroflora, has important impacts on soil processes which are exacerbated by climatic changes. Furthermore, the ranges of some invasive insects and pathogens are expanding. Invasive species contribute to tree stress, and lead to decline and mortality, decline of biodiversity, and soil changes in organic matter composition and nutri- ents. Similar to landscapes after wildland fires, problematic species can create soil condi- tions that enhance flash flooding, soil erosion, and sediment loading. • Pollution. Air and water pollutants can dramatically affect soil characteristics and species composition. Acid deposition can cause nutrient leaching, while other pollutants such as some hydrocarbon compounds and various trace metals can cause other chemical changes in soils. Despite environmental policies designed to limit the release of pollutants, some continue to impact forest and range soils. Soil recovery from the impacts of these pollutants can take many decades. • Non-urban land uses can potentially have an impact on forest and range soils. Compaction is considered one of the most critical issues on forest and rangeland soils because it can severely alter the movement and storage of air, water, and nutrients in the soil. These changes can slow tree growth and negatively affect microbial populations. In addition, min- ing has disturbed millions of hectares of forest and grasslands in the United States. • Urban land use and change. Direct urban-induced effects that can impact soils include the introduction of built structures, landfills, stormwater facilities, impervious surfaces, and lawn management. Urban land use and change may also affect soils through indirect pro- cesses such as the urban heat island effect, emissions of various pollutants, and the spread of non-native species. Chapter 8 considers approaches to maintaining or restoring forest and rangeland soil health in the face of these varied impacts. Chapter 9 discusses mapping, monitoring, and data sharing as ways to leverage scientific and human resources to address soil health at scales from the landscape to the individual parcel (monitoring networks, data-sharing Web sites, and educa- tional soils-centered programs
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Impacts of Technology on U.S. Cropland and Rangeland Productivity Advisory Panel
    l-'" of nc/:\!IOIOO _.. _­ ... u"' "'"'" ... _ -'-- Impacts of Technology on U.S. Cropland w, in'... ' .....7 and Rangeland Productivity August 1982 NTIS order #PB83-125013 Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 82-600596 For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402 Foreword This Nation’s impressive agricultural success is the product of many factors: abundant resources of land and water, a favorable climate, and a history of resource- ful farmers and technological innovation, We meet not only our own needs but supply a substantial portion of the agricultural products used elsewhere in the world. As demand increases, so must agricultural productivity, Part of the necessary growth may come from farming additional acreage. But most of the increase will depend on intensifying production with improved agricultural technologies. The question is, however, whether farmland and rangeland resources can sustain such inten- sive use. Land is a renewable resource, though one that is highly susceptible to degrada- tion by erosion, salinization, compaction, ground water depletion, and other proc- esses. When such processes are not adequately managed, land productivity can be mined like a nonrenewable resource. But this need not occur. For most agricul- tural land, various conservation options are available, Traditionally, however, farm- ers and ranchers have viewed many of the conservation technologies as uneconom- ical. Must conservation and production always be opposed, or can technology be used to help meet both goals? This report describes the major processes degrading land productivity, assesses whether productivity is sustainable using current agricultural technologies, reviews a range of new technologies with potentials to maintain productivity and profitability simultaneously, and presents a series of options for congressional consideration.
    [Show full text]
  • Rangeland Resources Management Muhammad Ismail, Rohullah Yaqini, Yan Zhaoli, Andrew Billingsley
    Managing Natural Resources Rangeland Resources Management Muhammad Ismail, Rohullah Yaqini, Yan Zhaoli, Andrew Billingsley Rangelands are areas which, by reason of physical limitations, low and erratic precipitation, rough topography, poor drainage, or extreme temperature, are less suitable for cultivation but are sources of food for free ranging wild and domestic animals, and of water, wood, and mineral products. Rangelands are generally managed as natural ecosystems that make them distinct from pastures for commercial livestock husbandry with irrigation and fertilisation facilities. Rangeland management is the science and art of optimising returns or benefits from rangelands through the manipulation of rangeland ecosystems. There has been increasing recognition worldwide of rangeland functions and various ecosystem services they provide in recent decades. However, livestock farming is still one of the most important uses of rangelands and will remain so in the foreseeable future. Rangeland Resources and Use Patterns in Afghanistan Afghanistan’s rangelands are specified as land where the predominant vegetation consists of grasses, herbs, shrubs, and may include areas with low-growing trees such as juniper, pistachio, and oak. The term ‘rangeland resources’ refers to biological resources within a specific rangeland and associated ecosystems, including vegetation, wildlife, open forests (canopy coverage less than 30%), non- biological products such as soil and minerals. Today, rangelands comprise between 60-75% of Afghanistan’s total territory, depending on the source of information. Rangelands are crucial in supplying Afghanistan with livestock products, fuel, building materials, medicinal plants, and providing habitat for wildlife. The water resources captured and regulated in Afghan rangelands are the lifeblood of the country and nourishes nearly 4 million ha of irrigated lands.
    [Show full text]
  • Pre-Qualification Documentation
    DEM & Associates Holding PRE-QUALIFICATION DOCUMENTATION October, 2013 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.0 ORGANIZATION 2.0 TALENT 1.1 DEM & Associates Holding 3 2.1 Organizational Chart 8 1.2 DEM Geosciences 4 1.3 Terra Drill International 5 1.4 Saudi Foundations 6 1.5 Terra Gunhan Co. 7 3.0 Services 4.0 EQUIPMENT 3.1 Mining 9 4.1 Mining Equipment 35 3.2 Program Management 15 4.2 Geotechnical equipment 39 3.3 Marine Engineering Services 17 3.4 Geotechnical Contracting 19 5.0 Credentials 46 6.0 CONTACT DETAILS 59 July 7, 2014 2 1.0 ORGANIZATION 1.1 DEM & Associates Holding DEM & Associates Holding sal DEM Geosciences Terra Gunhan Co. sal (DEMG) sarl (TERGU) Saudi Terra Drill DEM Geosciences Foundations LTD International LTD Georgia (SF) (TDI) DEM & Associates Holding sal is the mother company for DEM Geosciences sal (DEMG), DEM Geosciences Georgia, Terra Drill International ltd (TDI), Saudi Foundations (SF) and Terra Gunhan Co. sarl (TERGU). The Group provides complete solutions to the mining industry as well as geotechnical contracting and consultancy across East Europe, Eurasia and the Middle East. We believe in working in close partnership with clients to provide a professional and cost effective service at all levels. Our experience, supported by highly qualified team of engineers and geologists, have the skills and experience required to provide professional results on projects of all scales. July 7, 2014 3 1.0 ORGANIZATION 1.2 DEM Geosciences sal (DEMG) DEMG has been created to utilize the resources of its subsidiaries, namely TerraDrill Intl.
    [Show full text]
  • Glossary Glossary
    Glossary Glossary Albedo A measure of an object’s reflectivity. A pure white reflecting surface has an albedo of 1.0 (100%). A pitch-black, nonreflecting surface has an albedo of 0.0. The Moon is a fairly dark object with a combined albedo of 0.07 (reflecting 7% of the sunlight that falls upon it). The albedo range of the lunar maria is between 0.05 and 0.08. The brighter highlands have an albedo range from 0.09 to 0.15. Anorthosite Rocks rich in the mineral feldspar, making up much of the Moon’s bright highland regions. Aperture The diameter of a telescope’s objective lens or primary mirror. Apogee The point in the Moon’s orbit where it is furthest from the Earth. At apogee, the Moon can reach a maximum distance of 406,700 km from the Earth. Apollo The manned lunar program of the United States. Between July 1969 and December 1972, six Apollo missions landed on the Moon, allowing a total of 12 astronauts to explore its surface. Asteroid A minor planet. A large solid body of rock in orbit around the Sun. Banded crater A crater that displays dusky linear tracts on its inner walls and/or floor. 250 Basalt A dark, fine-grained volcanic rock, low in silicon, with a low viscosity. Basaltic material fills many of the Moon’s major basins, especially on the near side. Glossary Basin A very large circular impact structure (usually comprising multiple concentric rings) that usually displays some degree of flooding with lava. The largest and most conspicuous lava- flooded basins on the Moon are found on the near side, and most are filled to their outer edges with mare basalts.
    [Show full text]
  • GSA TODAY a Publication of the Geological Society of America
    Vol. 5, No. 6 June 1995 GSA TODAY A Publication of the Geological Society of America 1995 ANNUAL MEETING New Orleans, Louisiana • November 6–9 ABSTRACTS DUE JULY 12 For abstract forms (303) 447-2020, ext. 161; E-mail: [email protected] SOFTWARE FAIR PROPOSALS DUE SEPTEMBER 1 For information: (504) 286-6791; fax 504-286-7396; E-mail: [email protected] PREREGISTRATION DUE SEPTEMBER 29 Registration and housing forms enclosed INFORMATION (303) 447-2020, ext. 184 or 1-800-472-1988; fax 303-447-0648; E-mail: [email protected] he theme for the 1995 Annual Meeting is Bridging the Gulf. This theme has several meanings. In particular, we will draw attention to the Gulf of Mexico–Caribbean, and the surrounding T American continents, bridging the knowledge gap that exists across a region divided by polit- ical boundaries and language but sharing a common geologic framework. Bridging the Gulf also addresses the need to develop a closer link between technology and the science of geology and to educate the public on issues critical to the development of intelligent policies on the environment and geologic hazards. We also hope to bridge the gulf between the past and the future with both a retrospection on the past 25 years of plate tectonics and a look at the future as geology responds to society’s needs. Finally, we view the city of New Orleans, the Mississippi River and its delta, and the Gulf Coast as a laboratory where the long- term effects of humans on the environment can be examined. NEW ORLEANS: The Crescent City–New Orleans is nestled on the inside of a south-looping meander of the Mississippi River.
    [Show full text]
  • English and Translated to Arabic
    Knowledge partner: Constructing the Arab Region’s Engagement in the Emerging Global Future Policy Recommendations Beirut Institute Summit Edition II Abu Dhabi, May 2018 The 2017 A.T. Kearney Foreign Direct Investment Confidence Index: Glass Half Full 1 Disclaimer The views expressed by speakers, presenters, and moderators of the second edition of the Beirut Institute Summit Edition II are their own. This document was originally written in English and translated to Arabic. Beirut Institute Summit Edition II, Abu Dhabi, May 2018 Executive Summary Beirut Institute Summit Edition II is a driving force focused on mobilizing a rich diversity of minds to think collaboratively and innovatively about the future of the Arab region. In May 2018, we convened Beirut Institute Summit Edition II in Abu Dhabi, building on the success of the first Beirut Institute Summit Edition I that was held in late 2015. The Summit took place in the context of a period of rapid and historic transformation in the Arab region and globally. Given the disruptive geopolitical, technological and socio-economic changes underway, our deliberations centered on designing practical policy recommendations for constructing the Arab region’s engagement in the emerging global future. The final recommendations constitute five fundamental strategic imperatives: 1. Strengthen the Forces of Order: Systematically create the conditions and capabilities necessary for sustainable regional stability 2. Accelerate Connected Regional Economic Development: Intensify Arab-led investment in regional economic development and integration 3. Promote Whole-Of-Nation Good Governance: Expand models of good governance to better integrate individuals and local communities 4. Empower the Diverse People of the Arab Region: Activate a tolerant, inclusive, future- oriented vision for the Arab Region 5.
    [Show full text]
  • Long-Term Changes in Biological Soil Crust Cover and Composition Eva Dettweiler-Robinson1*, Jeanne M Ponzetti2 and Jonathan D Bakker3
    Dettweiler-Robinson et al. Ecological Processes 2013, 2:5 http://www.ecologicalprocesses.com/content/2/1/5 RESEARCH Open Access Long-term changes in biological soil crust cover and composition Eva Dettweiler-Robinson1*, Jeanne M Ponzetti2 and Jonathan D Bakker3 Abstract Introduction: Communities change over time due to disturbances, variations in climate, and species invasions. Biological soil crust communities are important because they contribute to erosion control and nutrient cycling. Crust types may respond differently to changes in environmental conditions: single-celled organisms and bryophytes quickly recover after a disturbance, while lichens are slow growing and dominate favorable sites. Community change in crusts has seldom been assessed using repeated measures. For this study, we hypothesized that changes in crust composition were related to disturbance, topographic position, and invasive vegetation. Methods: We monitored permanent plots in the Columbia Basin in 1999 and 2010 and compared changes in crust composition, cover, richness, and turnover with predictor variables of herbivore exclosure, elevation, heat load index, time since fire, presence of an invasive grass, and change in cover of the invasive grass. Results: Bryophytes were cosmopolitan with high cover. Dominant lichens did not change dramatically. Indicator taxa differed by monitoring year. Bryophyte and total crust cover declined, and there was lower turnover outside of herbivore exclosures. Lichen cover did not change significantly. Plots that burned recently had high turnover. Increase in taxon richness was correlated with presence of an invasive grass in 1999. Change in cover of the invasive grass was positively related to proportional loss and negatively related to gain. Conclusions: Composition and turnover metrics differed significantly over 11 years, though cover was more stable between years.
    [Show full text]
  • Geohab Core Research Project
    GEOHAB CORE RESEARCH PROJECT: HABs IN STRATIFIED SYSTEMS “Advances and challenges for understanding physical-biological interactions in HABs in Strati fied Environments” A Workshop Report ISSN 1538 182X GEOHAB GLOBAL ECOLOGY AND OCEANOGRAPHY OF HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS GEOHAB CORE RESEARCH PROJECT: HABs IN STRATIFIED SYSTEMS AN INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME SPONSORED BY THE SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE ON OCEANIC RESEARCH (SCOR) AND THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL OCEANOGRAPHIC COMMISSION (IOC) OF UNESCO Workshop on “ADVANCES AND CHALLENGES FOR UNDERSTANDING PHYSICAL-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS IN HABs IN STRATIFIED ENVIRONMENTS” Edited by: M.A. McManus, E. Berdalet, J. Ryan, H. Yamazaki, J. S. Jaffe, O.N. Ross, H. Burchard, I. Jenkinson, F.P. Chavez This report is based on contributions and discussions by the organizers and participants of the workshop. TABLE OF CONTENTS This report may be cited as: GEOHAB 2013. Global Ecology and Oceanography of Harmful Algal Blooms, GEOHAB Core Research Project: HABs in Stratified Systems.W orkshop on "Advances and Challenges for Understanding Physical-Biological Interactions in HABs in Stratified Environments." (Eds. M.A. McManus, E. Berdalet, J. Ryan, H. Yamazaki, J.S. Jaffe, O.N. Ross, H. Burchard and F.P. Chavez) (Contributors: G. Basterretxea, D. Rivas, M.C. Ruiz and L. Seuront) IOC and SCOR, Paris and Newark, Delaware, USA, 62 pp. This document is GEOHAB Report # 11 (GEOHAB/REP/11). Copies may be obtained from: Edward R. Urban, Jr. Henrik Enevoldsen Executive Director, SCOR Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of College
    [Show full text]
  • Sky and Telescope
    SkyandTelescope.com The Lunar 100 By Charles A. Wood Just about every telescope user is familiar with French comet hunter Charles Messier's catalog of fuzzy objects. Messier's 18th-century listing of 109 galaxies, clusters, and nebulae contains some of the largest, brightest, and most visually interesting deep-sky treasures visible from the Northern Hemisphere. Little wonder that observing all the M objects is regarded as a virtual rite of passage for amateur astronomers. But the night sky offers an object that is larger, brighter, and more visually captivating than anything on Messier's list: the Moon. Yet many backyard astronomers never go beyond the astro-tourist stage to acquire the knowledge and understanding necessary to really appreciate what they're looking at, and how magnificent and amazing it truly is. Perhaps this is because after they identify a few of the Moon's most conspicuous features, many amateurs don't know where Many Lunar 100 selections are plainly visible in this image of the full Moon, while others require to look next. a more detailed view, different illumination, or favorable libration. North is up. S&T: Gary The Lunar 100 list is an attempt to provide Moon lovers with Seronik something akin to what deep-sky observers enjoy with the Messier catalog: a selection of telescopic sights to ignite interest and enhance understanding. Presented here is a selection of the Moon's 100 most interesting regions, craters, basins, mountains, rilles, and domes. I challenge observers to find and observe them all and, more important, to consider what each feature tells us about lunar and Earth history.
    [Show full text]
  • Climate Change and Rangelands: Responding Rationally to Uncertainty by Joel R
    Climate Change and Rangelands: Responding Rationally to Uncertainty By Joel R. Brown and Jim Thorpe ccording to most estimates, rangeland ecosys- have a dominant infl uence on productivity, stability, and tems occupy about 50% of the earth’s terrestrial profi tability. surface. By itself, this estimate implies range- The interaction between scientists and managers is lands are important to humans, but their impor- critical to understanding and managing the relationships Atance extends far beyond their global dominance. Globally, critical to healthy rangeland ecosystems. While scientists rangelands provide about 70% of the forage for domestic uncover new relationships governing ecosystem behavior, livestock. For many societies, livestock are critical to sur- managers are ultimately responsible for implementing prac- vival. Rangelands also provide a host of ecosystem services tices to ensure continued heath of the systems they manage. technology or other land types cannot provide. Among the One of the most important scientifi c contributions of the most important of these services is climate regulation, or past decade is an enhanced understanding of earth’s climate the ability to sequester and store greenhouse gases such as system and human impacts on climate. Through a collab- carbon dioxide. orative effort, scientists have communicated the links The ability of any rangeland to provide any ecosystem between humans and climate. Policy makers and the public service is dependent, primarily, upon the rangeland’s condi- are generally aware that humans have an infl uence on tion. Degraded rangelands are poor providers of ecosystem climate—an infl uence that is likely to increase in the services, regardless of the commodity.
    [Show full text]
  • Biological Soil Crust Community Types Differ in Key Ecological Functions
    UC Riverside UC Riverside Previously Published Works Title Biological soil crust community types differ in key ecological functions Permalink https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2cs0f55w Authors Pietrasiak, Nicole David Lam Jeffrey R. Johansen et al. Publication Date 2013-10-01 DOI 10.1016/j.soilbio.2013.05.011 Peer reviewed eScholarship.org Powered by the California Digital Library University of California Soil Biology & Biochemistry 65 (2013) 168e171 Contents lists available at SciVerse ScienceDirect Soil Biology & Biochemistry journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/soilbio Short communication Biological soil crust community types differ in key ecological functions Nicole Pietrasiak a,*, John U. Regus b, Jeffrey R. Johansen c,e, David Lam a, Joel L. Sachs b, Louis S. Santiago d a University of California, Riverside, Soil and Water Sciences Program, Department of Environmental Sciences, 2258 Geology Building, Riverside, CA 92521, USA b University of California, Riverside, Department of Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA c Biology Department, John Carroll University, 1 John Carroll Blvd., University Heights, OH 44118, USA d University of California, Riverside, Botany & Plant Sciences Department, 3113 Bachelor Hall, Riverside, CA 92521, USA e Department of Botany, Faculty of Science, University of South Bohemia, Branisovska 31, 370 05 Ceske Budejovice, Czech Republic article info abstract Article history: Soil stability, nitrogen and carbon fixation were assessed for eight biological soil crust community types Received 22 February 2013 within a Mojave Desert wilderness site. Cyanolichen crust outperformed all other crusts in multi- Received in revised form functionality whereas incipient crust had the poorest performance. A finely divided classification of 17 May 2013 biological soil crust communities improves estimation of ecosystem function and strengthens the Accepted 18 May 2013 accuracy of landscape-scale assessments.
    [Show full text]
  • Biological Soil Crust Rehabilitation in Theory and Practice: an Underexploited Opportunity Matthew A
    REVIEW Biological Soil Crust Rehabilitation in Theory and Practice: An Underexploited Opportunity Matthew A. Bowker1,2 Abstract techniques; and (3) monitoring. Statistical predictive Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are ubiquitous lichen–bryo- modeling is a useful method for estimating the potential phyte microbial communities, which are critical structural BSC condition of a rehabilitation site. Various rehabilita- and functional components of many ecosystems. How- tion techniques attempt to correct, in decreasing order of ever, BSCs are rarely addressed in the restoration litera- difficulty, active soil erosion (e.g., stabilization techni- ture. The purposes of this review were to examine the ques), resource deficiencies (e.g., moisture and nutrient ecological roles BSCs play in succession models, the augmentation), or BSC propagule scarcity (e.g., inoc- backbone of restoration theory, and to discuss the prac- ulation). Success will probably be contingent on prior tical aspects of rehabilitating BSCs to disturbed eco- evaluation of site conditions and accurate identification systems. Most evidence indicates that BSCs facilitate of constraints to BSC reestablishment. Rehabilitation of succession to later seres, suggesting that assisted recovery BSCs is attainable and may be required in the recovery of of BSCs could speed up succession. Because BSCs are some ecosystems. The strong influence that BSCs exert ecosystem engineers in high abiotic stress systems, loss of on ecosystems is an underexploited opportunity for re- BSCs may be synonymous with crossing degradation storationists to return disturbed ecosystems to a desirable thresholds. However, assisted recovery of BSCs may trajectory. allow a transition from a degraded steady state to a more desired alternative steady state. In practice, BSC rehabili- Key words: aridlands, cryptobiotic soil crusts, cryptogams, tation has three major components: (1) establishment of degradation thresholds, state-and-transition models, goals; (2) selection and implementation of rehabilitation succession.
    [Show full text]