Different types of biocrusts affect plant communities by changing the microenvironment and surface soil nutrients in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Xu, Hengkang; Zhang, Yingjun; Kang, Binyue; Qin, Fuwen; Liu, Xiaoli; Zhou, Huakun; Shao, Xinqing

doi:10.1080/15324982.2019.1683915

Cited by 7 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 35 publications

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“…An additional effect of biocrusts is their influence on soil temperature. This was shown for instance on the Tibetan Plateau, where Ming et al (2022) found that at a depth of 5 to 100 cm, soil temperatures were 0.6-1.0 °C lower in the presence of biocrusts; Xu et al (2020) showed similar effects for moss-dominated biocrusts. These results differ from previous studies, where biocrusts increased surface temperatures due to their dark colour (Chamizo et al, 2013).…”

Section: ) Biocrustsmentioning

confidence: 82%

“…This was shown for instance on the Tibetan Plateau, where Ming et al . (2022) found that at a depth of 5 to 100 cm, soil temperatures were 0.6–1.0 °C lower in the presence of biocrusts; Xu et al . (2020) showed similar effects for moss-dominated biocrusts.…”

Section: Cryptogams and Biological Soil Crustsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Biocrusts on the Tibetan Plateau (i.e. Min Mountains and Qilian Mountains), were also observed to significantly reduce soil pH in the upper 10 cm (Xu et al ., 2020) and to impact seed germination, thus influencing vascular plant community composition (Li et al ., 2016). In another study, biocrusts tended to support the survival of Nothofagus pumilio (POEPP.…”

Section: Cryptogams and Biological Soil Crustsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Biodiversity in mountain soils above the treeline

Praeg,

Steinwandter,

Urbach

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Despite the importance of healthy soils for human livelihood, wellbeing, and safety, current gaps in our knowledge and understanding of biodiversity in soil are numerous, undermining conservation efforts. These gaps are particularly wide in mountain regions where healthy soils are especially important for human safety and yet evidence is accumulating of ongoing degradation, posing significant threats to ecosystem functioning and human settlements.To analyse these gaps in detail, we synthesise current research on the global diversity of microorganisms, cryptogams, and invertebrates in mountain soils above the treeline. This synthesis is based on a semi-quantitative survey of the literature and an expert-based analysis. Our work reveals not only deficiencies in geographic cover but also significant gaps in taxonomic coverage, particularly among soil protists and invertebrates, and a lack of (functional and ecological) description of the uncultivated majority of prokaryotes, fungi, and protists. We subsequently build on this overview to highlight opportunities for research on mountain soils as systems of co-occurring species that interact in complex environmental matrices to fulfil critical functions and make essential contributions to life on land.Closing gaps in biodiversity research in mountain soil is crucial to enhance our understanding and to promote laws and guidelines advancing international soil biodiversity conservation targets in mountains. Addressing sparse and biased data, recognizing the impact of environmental changes on mountain ecosystems, and advocating dedicated policies are essential strategies to safeguard mountain soils and their biodiversity.GLOSSARY

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Section: ) Biocrustsmentioning

confidence: 82%

Section: Cryptogams and Biological Soil Crustsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Cryptogams and Biological Soil Crustsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Biodiversity in mountain soils above the treeline

Praeg,

Steinwandter,

Urbach

et al. 2023

Preprint

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“…Cryptogams have important and complex effects on vascular plant regeneration. In Xu's study, vascular plant coverage was significantly positively correlated with lichen coverage and negatively correlated with moss coverage, which seems to indicate that lichen is conducive to vascular plant regeneration, whereas moss obstructs its regeneration [6]. Ren et al found that Primulina tabacum had better regeneration status in the area covered by the bryophyte Gymnostomiella longinervis [83].…”

Section: Effects Of Cryptogam On Vascular Plants Regenerationmentioning

confidence: 91%

“…However, they often produce different or even diametrically opposed ecological effects in different studies. For example, a large number of studies have found that a cryptogam presence leads to increased soil water loss and thus reduces soil water content [3][4][5][6][7]. However, there are also a considerable number of studies on the accumulation of soil water caused by cryptogam [8][9][10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Cryptogams in Soil Property Regulation and Vascular Plant Regeneration: A Review

Qu,

Duan,

Chen

2023

Applied Sciences

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Despite their small size, cryptogams (lichen, liverwort, and moss) are important for ecosystem stability. Due to their strong stress resistance, cryptogams often cover extreme environments uninhabitable for vascular plants, which has an important impact on the material cycle and energy flow of various terrestrial ecosystems. In this article, we review and discuss the effects of cryptogams on soil properties (moisture and fertility) and vascular plant regeneration over the past two decades. Cryptogams strongly affect soil water content by influencing precipitation infiltration, non-rainfall water input, soil evaporation, soil water holding capacity, and soil permeability, ultimately helping to reduce soil water content in areas with low annual precipitation (<500 mm). However, in areas with high annual precipitation (>600 mm) or where the soil has other water sources, the presence of cryptograms is conducive to soil water accumulation. Cryptogam plants can increase soil fertility and the availability of soil nutrients (TOC, TN, TP, TK, and micronutrients) in harsh environments, but their effects in mild environments have not been sufficiently investigated. Cryptogam plants exert complex effects on vascular plant regeneration in different environments. The primary influence pathways include the physical barrier of seed distribution, shading, allelopathy, competition, influences on ectomycorrhizal development and individual reproduction, and the regulation of soil water content, temperature, and nutrients.

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