The influence of disturbance scale on the natural recovery of biological soil crusts on the Colorado Plateau

ABSTRACT: Up to 35% of global drylands have experienced degradation due to anthropogenic impacts, including physical disturbances like trampling and soil removal. These physical disturbances can result in the loss of soil communities known as biological soil crusts (biocrusts) and the important functions they provide, such as soil stability and fertility. The reestablishment of biocrust organisms after disturbance is determined by many factors, including propagule availability, climate, and vascular plant community structure. The role of these factors in natural recovery may be intensified by the extent (or size) of a disturbance. For example, large disturbances can result in reduced propagule availability or enhanced erosion, which impact both the dispersal and establishment of biocrust organisms o

SUBMITTER: Jech S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10434622 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature