Microbial Restoration Ecology of Biological Soil Crusts

Microbial Restoration Ecology of Biological Soil Crusts PDF Author: Ana Maria Giraldo Silva
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Crust vegetation
Languages : en
Pages : 246

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Book Description
Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are topsoil communities of organisms that contribute to soil fertility and erosion resistance in drylands. Anthropogenic disturbances can quickly damage these communities and their natural recovery can take decades. With the development of accelerated restoration strategies in mind, I studied physiological mechanisms controlling the establishment of cyanobacteria in biocrusts, since these photoautotrophs are not just the biocrust pioneer organisms, but also largely responsible for improving key soil attributes such as physical stability, nutrient content, water retention and albedo. I started by determining the cyanobacterial community composition of a variety of biocrust types from deserts in the Southwestern US. I then isolated a large number of cyanobacterial strains from these locations, pedigreed them based on their 16SrRNA gene sequences, and selective representatives that matched the most abundant cyanobacterial field populations. I then developed methodologies for large-scale growth of the selected isolates to produce location-specific and genetically autochthonous inoculum for restoration. I also developed and tested viable methodologies to physiologically harden this inoculum and improve its survival under harsh field conditions. My tests proved that in most cases good viability of the inoculum could be attained under field-like conditions. In parallel, I used molecular ecology approaches to show that the biocrust pioneer, Microcoleus vaginatus, shapes its surrounding heterotrophic microbiome, enriching for a compositionally-differentiated "cyanosphere" that concentrates the nitrogen-fixing function. I proposed that a mutualism based on carbon for nitrogen exchange between M. vaginatus and its cyanosphere creates a consortium that constitutes the true pioneer community enabling the colonization of nitrogen-poor, bare soils. Using the right mixture of photosynthetic and diazotrophic cultures will thus likely help in soil restoration. Additionally, using physiological assays and molecular meta-analyses, I demonstrated that the largest contributors to N2-fixation in late successional biocrusts (three genera of heterocystous cyanobacteria) partition their niche along temperature gradients, and that this can explain their geographic patterns of dominance within biocrusts worldwide. This finding can improve restoration strategies by incorporating climate-matched physiological types in inoculum formulations. In all, this dissertation resulted in the establishment of a comprehensive "cyanobacterial biocrust nursery", that includes a culture collection containing 101 strains, isolation and cultivation methods, inoculum design strategies as well as field conditioning protocols. It constitutes a new interdisciplinary application of microbiology in restoration ecology.

Microbial Restoration Ecology of Biological Soil Crusts

Microbial Restoration Ecology of Biological Soil Crusts PDF Author: Ana Maria Giraldo Silva
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Crust vegetation
Languages : en
Pages : 246

Get Book Here

Book Description
Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are topsoil communities of organisms that contribute to soil fertility and erosion resistance in drylands. Anthropogenic disturbances can quickly damage these communities and their natural recovery can take decades. With the development of accelerated restoration strategies in mind, I studied physiological mechanisms controlling the establishment of cyanobacteria in biocrusts, since these photoautotrophs are not just the biocrust pioneer organisms, but also largely responsible for improving key soil attributes such as physical stability, nutrient content, water retention and albedo. I started by determining the cyanobacterial community composition of a variety of biocrust types from deserts in the Southwestern US. I then isolated a large number of cyanobacterial strains from these locations, pedigreed them based on their 16SrRNA gene sequences, and selective representatives that matched the most abundant cyanobacterial field populations. I then developed methodologies for large-scale growth of the selected isolates to produce location-specific and genetically autochthonous inoculum for restoration. I also developed and tested viable methodologies to physiologically harden this inoculum and improve its survival under harsh field conditions. My tests proved that in most cases good viability of the inoculum could be attained under field-like conditions. In parallel, I used molecular ecology approaches to show that the biocrust pioneer, Microcoleus vaginatus, shapes its surrounding heterotrophic microbiome, enriching for a compositionally-differentiated "cyanosphere" that concentrates the nitrogen-fixing function. I proposed that a mutualism based on carbon for nitrogen exchange between M. vaginatus and its cyanosphere creates a consortium that constitutes the true pioneer community enabling the colonization of nitrogen-poor, bare soils. Using the right mixture of photosynthetic and diazotrophic cultures will thus likely help in soil restoration. Additionally, using physiological assays and molecular meta-analyses, I demonstrated that the largest contributors to N2-fixation in late successional biocrusts (three genera of heterocystous cyanobacteria) partition their niche along temperature gradients, and that this can explain their geographic patterns of dominance within biocrusts worldwide. This finding can improve restoration strategies by incorporating climate-matched physiological types in inoculum formulations. In all, this dissertation resulted in the establishment of a comprehensive "cyanobacterial biocrust nursery", that includes a culture collection containing 101 strains, isolation and cultivation methods, inoculum design strategies as well as field conditioning protocols. It constitutes a new interdisciplinary application of microbiology in restoration ecology.

Biological Soil Crusts: Spatio-temporal Development and Ecological Functions of Soil Surface Microbial Communities across Different Scales

Biological Soil Crusts: Spatio-temporal Development and Ecological Functions of Soil Surface Microbial Communities across Different Scales PDF Author: Shubin Lan
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2832553028
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 339

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Book Description
Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are widely distributed throughout the world, and cover approximately 12% of the terrestrial surface. Biocrusts are composed of cyanobacteria, algae, lichens, mosses, and a great diversity of other microorganisms, which bind soil particles together to form a layer of biological-soil matrix on the soil surface typically of several millimetres thickness. They are important sites of regional and global microbial diversity and perform multiple ecological functions (multifunctionality). During the evolution of terrestrial life on earth, biocrusts are regarded as the main colonising photosynthetic organisms before the advent of vascular vegetation. They not only represent the early stages of terrestrial ecosystems, but also facilitate the ecosystem’s development and succession. Therefore, biocrusts are recognised as ecological engineers in the natural development of ecosystems and for the restoration of degraded terrestrial ecosystems. The development of biocrusts is highly heterogeneous, which is reflected on both temporal and spatial scales, and this heterogeneity is still clearly visible even in a small scale. However, up to now, only limited knowledge is acquired on biocrust temporal and spatial organisation. In particular there still is a large knowledge gap regarding the various biocrust communities under different developmental states and their related physiological metabolisms and ecological functions. Therefore, in-depth studies of these issues will undoubtedly further promote our understanding of the heterogeneous development of biocrusts, as well as their ecological multifunctionality in terrestrial ecosystems. The relevant contributions are expected to provide a scientific basis for the management of biocrusts and technology development (e.g. cyanobacteria-induced biocrust technology) for ecological restoration and the promotion of soil health.

Biological Soil Crusts

Biological Soil Crusts PDF Author: Jayne Belnap
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9783540437574
Category : Law
Languages : en
Pages : 532

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Book Description
Soil fungi, microbes, microfauna, nitrogen fixation, hydrology, erosion, global change

Ecological Development and Functioning of Biological Soil Crusts After Natural and Human Disturbances

Ecological Development and Functioning of Biological Soil Crusts After Natural and Human Disturbances PDF Author: Vincent John Martin Noah Linus Felde
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
ISBN: 2889712559
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 214

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Book Description


Biological Soil Crusts: An Organizing Principle in Drylands

Biological Soil Crusts: An Organizing Principle in Drylands PDF Author: Bettina Weber
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 3319302140
Category : Nature
Languages : en
Pages : 540

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Book Description
This volume summarizes our current understanding of biological soil crusts (biocrusts), which are omnipresent in dryland regions. Since they cover the soil surface, they influence, or even control, all surface exchange processes. Being one of the oldest terrestrial communities, biocrusts comprise a high diversity of cyanobacteria, algae, lichens and bryophytes together with uncounted bacteria, and fungi. The authors show that biocrusts are an integral part of dryland ecosystems, stabilizing soils, influencing plant germination and growth, and playing a key role in carbon, nitrogen and water cycling. Initial attempts have been made to use biocrusts as models in ecological theory. On the other hand, biocrusts are endangered by local disruptions and global change, highlighting the need for enhanced recovery methods. This book offers a comprehensive overview of the fascinating field of biocrust research, making it indispensable not only for scientists in this area, but also for land managers, policy makers, and anyone interested in the environment.

Soil Biota and Ecosystem Development in Post Mining Sites

Soil Biota and Ecosystem Development in Post Mining Sites PDF Author: Jan Frouz
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1466599316
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 319

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Book Description
This book focuses on soil development in restoration of post‐mining sites. In particular, the authors address the role of biota, including plants, microorganisms, invertebrates, and their various interactions during the process of soil formation. The book largely deals with sites created by open‐cast mining, as this method represents a very destructive and, at the same time, intensively studied example of a mining operation. This book is a useful summary of recent knowledge for scholars dealing with ecosystem development after large disturbances as well as for practitioners dealing with reclamation and restoration of post‐mining land.

Soils and Landscape Restoration

Soils and Landscape Restoration PDF Author: John A. Stanturf
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0128131942
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 436

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Book Description
Soils and Landscape Restoration provides a multidisciplinary synthesis on the sustainable management and restoration of soils in various landscapes. The book presents applicable knowledge of above- and below-ground interactions and biome specific realizations along with in-depth investigations of particular soil degradation pathways. It focuses on severely degraded soils (e.g., eroded, salinized, mined) as well as the restoration of wetlands, grasslands and forests. The book addresses the need to bring together current perspectives on land degradation and restoration in soil science and restoration ecology to better incorporate soil-based information when restoration plans are formulated. Incudes a chapter on climate change and novel ecosystems, thus collating the perspective of soil scientists and ecologists on this consequential and controversial topic Connects science to international policy and practice Includes summaries at the end of each chapter to elucidate principles and key points

Biocrust-forming cyanobacteria inoculation to restore degraded soils from dryland ecosystems

Biocrust-forming cyanobacteria inoculation to restore degraded soils from dryland ecosystems PDF Author: José Raúl Román Fernández
Publisher: Universidad Almería
ISBN: 8413510554
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 190

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Book Description
En las zonas áridas, la acción combinada del cambio climático y el aumento de la presión humana están causando una degradación acelerada de los ecosistemas. En este contexto, es necesario investigar nuevas estrategias de restauración que nos permitan mejorar las acciones de restauración en estas zonas. Para ello, en esta tesis se exploró el uso de biocostras, comunidades de organismos que colonizan los primeros centímetros del suelo y que viven en estrecha asociación con las partículas del suelo, para la recuperación de suelos degradados en ecosistemas áridos. De entre todos sus componentes, se investigó el potencial uso restaurador de la inoculación con especies de cianobacterias formadoras de biocostras, pues son los organismos que más potencial presentan para restaurar zonas áridas debido a sus condiciones fisiológicas adaptadas a ambientes extremos y su facilidad para ser aisladas y cultivadas ex situ. En concreto, se evaluó la viabilidad de diferentes especies nativas de cianobacterias para promover el desarrollo de una nueva biocostra que mejore las condiciones de los suelos degradados de zonas áridas, así como estrategias para la reducción del estrés ambiental en condiciones de campo. Los resultados de esta tesis constituyen un avance significativo en el uso de esta tecnología para recuperar suelos afectados por la degradación en ecosistemas áridos.

Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology

Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology PDF Author: Terry Gentry
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0323851401
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 744

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Book Description
Written by leading experts in their respective fields, Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology 3e, provides a comprehensive, balanced introduction to soil microbiology, and captures the rapid advances in the field such as recent discoveries regarding habitats and organisms, microbially mediated transformations, and applied environmental topics. Carefully edited for ease of reading, it aids users by providing an excellent multi-authored reference, the type of book that is continually used in the field. Background information is provided in the first part of the book for ease of comprehension. The following chapters then describe such fundamental topics as soil environment and microbial processes, microbial groups and their interactions, and thoroughly addresses critical nutrient cycles and important environmental and agricultural applications. An excellent textbook and desk reference, Principles and Applications of Soil Microbiology, 3e, provides readers with broad, foundational coverage of the vast array of microorganisms that live in soil and the major biogeochemical processes they control. Soil scientists, environmental scientists, and others, including soil health and conservation specialists, will find this material invaluable for understanding the amazingly diverse world of soil microbiology, managing agricultural and environmental systems, and formulating environmental policy. Includes discussion of major microbial methods, embedded within topical chapters Includes information boxes and case studies throughout the text to illustrate major concepts and connect fundamental knowledge with potential applications Study questions at the end of each chapter allow readers to evaluate their understanding of the materials

Microbial Based Land Restoration Handbook, Volume 2

Microbial Based Land Restoration Handbook, Volume 2 PDF Author: Vimal Chandra Pandey
Publisher: CRC Press
ISBN: 1000776255
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 337

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Book Description
Microorganisms are a good indicator of soil health. Plant growth-promoting microorganisms protect plants from the stresses of water, salt, metal, biotic, and so on, and are well known for strategically modulating the plant mechanisms to defend and mitigate environmental stresses. Taking a multidisciplinary approach, this volume explores the role of plant microorganisms in ecological and agricultural revitalization beyond normal agriculture practices and offers practical and applied solutions for the restoration of degraded lands to fulfill human needs with food, fodder, fuel, and fiber. It also provides a single comprehensive platform for soil scientists, agriculture specialists, ecologists, and those in related disciplines. Features • Presents cutting-edge microbial biotechnology as a tool for restoring degraded lands • Explores the aspects of sustainable development of degraded lands using microorganism-inspired land remediation • Highlights sustainable food production intensification in nutrient-poor lands through innovative use of microbial inoculants • Explains the remediation of polluted land for regaining biodiversity and achieving United Nations Sustainable Development Goals • Includes many real-life applications from South Asia offering solutions to today’s agricultural problems This book will be of interest to professionals, researchers, and students in environmental, soil, and agricultural sciences as well as stakeholders, policy makers, and practitioners with an interest in this field.