Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are ubiquitous lichen–bryophyte microbial communities, which
are critical structural and functional components of many ecosystems. However, BSCs are …

The adaptation of plants to particular soil types has long intrigued biologists. Gypsum soils
occupy large areas in many regions of the world and host a striking biological diversity, but …

Understanding the importance of biotic interactions in driving the distribution and
abundance of species is a central goal of plant ecology. Early vascular plants likely …

Disturbance can profoundly affect the cover, species composition, and the physiological
functioning of biological soil crusts. The disturbances we discuss include air pollution; …

This book offers a concise but comprehensive introduction to desert ecology and adopts a
strong evolutionary focus. As with other titles in the Biology of Habitats Series, the emphasis …

Biological soil crusts (BSCs), composed of lichens, cyanobacteria, mosses, liverworts and
microorganisms, are key biotic components of arid and semi-arid ecosystems worldwide …

Despite significant efforts to restore dryland ecosystems worldwide, the rate of success of
restoration is extremely low in these areas. The role of cyanobacteria from soil biocrusts in …

The presence of biological soil crusts can significantly change the physical and chemical
soil environment. Such alterations can affect the germination, survival, and nutritional status …

Studies on the ecological importance of seed coat mucilage have provided valuable
information about its roles in critical stages of the plant life cycle. Seed mucilage may, by …

Temporal and spatial patterns of soil water content (θ) have been studied in badlands in
Tabernas (Almerı́a, SE Spain). θ was measured on a detailed time scale for 18 months …