Impact of Soil Biological Crusts on the Sustainability of Arid Ecosystems in Central-Western Argentina: Their Influence on Nutrient Dynamics and Soil Properties

Ana L. Navas Romero, Mario A. Herrera Moratta, Viviana Fernández-Maldonado, Eduardo Martínez Carretero, German Mazza and Rosa Rodriguez ()
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Ana L. Navas Romero: Grupo Vinculado al PROBIEN (CONICET-UNCo), Instituto de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Av. Libertador San Martín (Oeste) 1109, San Juan J5400ARL, Argentina
Mario A. Herrera Moratta: Grupo de Geobotánica y Fitogeografía, Instituto Argentino de Investigación de las Zonas Áridas (IADIZA), CCT-Mendoza, Av. Ruiz Leal s/n, Parque General San Martín, Mendoza CP 5500, Argentina
Viviana Fernández-Maldonado: Grupo Vinculado al PROBIEN (CONICET-UNCo), Instituto de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Av. Libertador San Martín (Oeste) 1109, San Juan J5400ARL, Argentina
Eduardo Martínez Carretero: Grupo de Geobotánica y Fitogeografía, Instituto Argentino de Investigación de las Zonas Áridas (IADIZA), CCT-Mendoza, Av. Ruiz Leal s/n, Parque General San Martín, Mendoza CP 5500, Argentina
German Mazza: Instituto de Investigación y Desarrollo en Ingeniería de Procesos, Biotecnología y Energías Alternativas, PROBIEN (CONICET-UNCo), Neuquén CP 8300, Argentina
Rosa Rodriguez: Grupo Vinculado al PROBIEN (CONICET-UNCo), Instituto de Ingeniería Química, Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Nacional de San Juan, Av. Libertador San Martín (Oeste) 1109, San Juan J5400ARL, Argentina

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 23, 1-22

Abstract: Biological soil crusts (BSCs) are common in arid and semi-arid regions, found in vegetation patches and interpatches. However, their distribution, functionality, and composition studies are limited, especially in South America and Argentina. This study assessed the functional differences in BSCs between patches and interpatches focusing on their role as fertility islands. Sixty plots were analyzed at two sites, measuring the soil’s composition, diversity, and physical and chemical properties, including stability, compaction, temperature, moisture, nitrogen, phosphorus, organic matter, electrical conductivity, and pH. The results showed similar BSC coverage in patches and interpatches but with compositional variations: mosses dominated patches, while cyanobacteria and lichens were more common in interpatches. BSCs enhance soil stability, moisture retention, nitrogen fixation, and phosphorus availability, which are essential for soil health and ecosystem functionality. The observed variations across microenvironments are crucial for sustainability. Understanding these dynamics is vital for managing arid ecosystems, as healthy BSCs mitigate erosion, improve nutrient cycling, and enhance resilience to climate change. Preserving and managing BSCs composition and distribution are essential for the sustainability of these ecosystems in the region.

Keywords: fertility islands; interpatches; microhabitats; patches; soil stability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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