Field Guide to Biological Soil Crusts of Western U.S. Drylands; Common Lichens and Bryophytes

摘要

Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are an intimate association between soil particles and cyanobacteria, algae, microfungi, lichens, and bryophytes (in different proportions) which live within or on top of the uppermost millimeters of soil. These communities have been known by a variety of names, including cryptobiotic, cryptogamic, and microbiotic soil crusts. They are found in all dryland regions of the world, including the polar regions, and in all vegetation types within these lands. In these landscapes, BSCs often cover all soil spaces not occupied by trees, grasses or shrubs and can comprise over 70% of the living ground cover.