Details
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 9-18 |
| Number of pages | 10 |
| Journal | Plant and soil |
| Volume | 429 |
| Issue number | 1-2 |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2018 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Abstract
Aims: Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are widespread in many drylands, where plant growth is limited due to water scarcity. One of their most important functions is the stabilization of the topsoil, particularly in regions with sandy soils prone to desertification. Since the mechanisms playing a role in soil stabilization are poorly understood, this study aims to shed light on the connection between crust stability and different cementing agents. Methods: We measured the penetration resistance and the concentrations of different cementing agents of biocrusts in the Israeli Negev Desert. Structural equation modelling was performed to examine the direct and indirect effects of the variables analyzed and identify variables that are best able to explain the observed patterns of penetration resistance. Results: All observed variables showed a high variability within and between sites. Structural equation modelling revealed that the main parameters explaining penetration resistance are the content of fines and the electrical conductivity, while carbonates and organic carbon only have an indirect effect. Conclusions: Our results suggest that adding silt and clay to (natural or induced) biocrusts is very likely to produce stronger, more stable crusts, which will be more effective in combating desertification and improve their ability to survive trampling by livestock.
Keywords
- Biocrust, Desertification, Ecosystem restoration, Grazing potential, Penetration resistance, Structural equation modelling, Surface stability
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Agricultural and Biological Sciences(all)
- Soil Science
- Agricultural and Biological Sciences(all)
- Plant Science
Sustainable Development Goals
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In: Plant and soil, Vol. 429, No. 1-2, 01.08.2018, p. 9-18.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - What stabilizes biological soil crusts in the Negev Desert?
AU - Felde, Vincent John Martin Noah Linus
AU - Chamizo, Sonia
AU - Felix-Henningsen, Peter
AU - Drahorad, Sylvie Laureen
N1 - Publisher Copyright: © 2017, Springer International Publishing AG.
PY - 2018/8/1
Y1 - 2018/8/1
N2 - Aims: Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are widespread in many drylands, where plant growth is limited due to water scarcity. One of their most important functions is the stabilization of the topsoil, particularly in regions with sandy soils prone to desertification. Since the mechanisms playing a role in soil stabilization are poorly understood, this study aims to shed light on the connection between crust stability and different cementing agents. Methods: We measured the penetration resistance and the concentrations of different cementing agents of biocrusts in the Israeli Negev Desert. Structural equation modelling was performed to examine the direct and indirect effects of the variables analyzed and identify variables that are best able to explain the observed patterns of penetration resistance. Results: All observed variables showed a high variability within and between sites. Structural equation modelling revealed that the main parameters explaining penetration resistance are the content of fines and the electrical conductivity, while carbonates and organic carbon only have an indirect effect. Conclusions: Our results suggest that adding silt and clay to (natural or induced) biocrusts is very likely to produce stronger, more stable crusts, which will be more effective in combating desertification and improve their ability to survive trampling by livestock.
AB - Aims: Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are widespread in many drylands, where plant growth is limited due to water scarcity. One of their most important functions is the stabilization of the topsoil, particularly in regions with sandy soils prone to desertification. Since the mechanisms playing a role in soil stabilization are poorly understood, this study aims to shed light on the connection between crust stability and different cementing agents. Methods: We measured the penetration resistance and the concentrations of different cementing agents of biocrusts in the Israeli Negev Desert. Structural equation modelling was performed to examine the direct and indirect effects of the variables analyzed and identify variables that are best able to explain the observed patterns of penetration resistance. Results: All observed variables showed a high variability within and between sites. Structural equation modelling revealed that the main parameters explaining penetration resistance are the content of fines and the electrical conductivity, while carbonates and organic carbon only have an indirect effect. Conclusions: Our results suggest that adding silt and clay to (natural or induced) biocrusts is very likely to produce stronger, more stable crusts, which will be more effective in combating desertification and improve their ability to survive trampling by livestock.
KW - Biocrust
KW - Desertification
KW - Ecosystem restoration
KW - Grazing potential
KW - Penetration resistance
KW - Structural equation modelling
KW - Surface stability
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85034650769&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1007/s11104-017-3459-7
DO - 10.1007/s11104-017-3459-7
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85034650769
VL - 429
SP - 9
EP - 18
JO - Plant and soil
JF - Plant and soil
SN - 0032-079X
IS - 1-2
ER -