As summer temperatures continue to rise, important biocrust-forming organisms in the American Southwest may be lost.
biocrusts
Biological Crusts Affected by Drought Can Still Stabilize Soils
Results of in situ experiments on natural microbial communities suggest that biological crusts can protect soils from erosion, but their protective role could be compromised under predicted future climate scenarios.
Biocrust “Probiotics” Can Aid Dryland Restoration Efforts
Bacteria can speed up the growth of biocrust-forming organisms in nurseries, providing more material for restoration of degraded dryland soil.