Biological Soil Crusts [Paperback]

Book Description

ISBN-10: 3540437576 | ISBN-13: 978-3540437574 | Publication Date: December 5, 2002

In arid lands, where vegetation is sparse or absent, the open ground is not bare but generally covered by a community of small, highly specialized organisms. Cyanobacteria, algae, microfungi, lichens, and bryophytes aggregate soil particles to form a coherent skin - the biological soil crust. It stabilizes and protects the soil surface from erosion by wind and water, influences water runoff and infiltration, and contributes nitrogen and carbon to desert soils. Soil surface disturbance, such as heavy livestock grazing, human trampling or off-road vehicles, breaks up the fragile soil crust, thus compromising its stability, structure, and productivity. This book is the first synthesis of the biology of soil crusts and their importance as an ecosystem component. Composition and functioning of different soil-crust types are discussed, and case studies are used to show the impact of crusts on landscape hydrology, soil stability, nutrient cycles, and land management.

Editorial Reviews

Review

From the reviews:

"The authors use amazing original pictures to show the structure, the extraordinary diversity and the natural beauty of the biological soils crusts. ... The bibliography is very rich and up-to-date ... The extensive taxonomic index with 1100 taxa and the subject index with 570 keywords provides quick access to various topics and problems. Written by leading experts, this book is a comprehensive presentation and the first global synthesis of the biology of soil crusts and their importance as an ecosystem component. Summing up, the volume can be recommended to a wide readership; it should be accessible to all research groups interested in botany, plant physiology, ecology or conservation biology. Considering the large number of good colour illustrations, the price of the book is not high at all." (Community Ecology)

"This book is the first attempt to summarize the knowledge on biology, biodiversity, ecology and management of biological soil crusts on a global scale. I believe the authors have succeeded admirably. ... This important book will surely inspire others to broaden our knowledge of these widely distributed and still relatively little known communities.  ... It is highly recommended to everybody interested in any aspect of the ecology of hot and cold deserts. Lichenologists, bryologists and microbiologists will find new challenges in their respective disciplines and ecologists will be inspired by these apparently simple ecosystems." (The Lichenologist)

From the reviews of the hardcover edition

"This is a wide and comprehensive review of the subject that deserves a place in a research library." (Bulletin of the British Ecological Society)

"Congratulations to the editors and contributors for presenting this clearly organized, and in general very fascinating book." (Phytocoenologia)

"This volume was unusually well coordinated for an edited book with many diverse authors. Belnap and Lange clearly selected authors and topics carefully to provide as wide a coverage of topics as possible, and placed a heavy emphasis on integration and synthesis. ... Even at the high price, this is a good book to own." (Ecology)

"Given current concerns over rangeland management in arid environments, this book is very topical and should be a valuable reference for resource managers and scientists alike. The publication of Biological Soil Crusts: Structure, Function, and Management marks an important milestone in the recognistion of these unique ecological communities." (The Bryologist)   

"This book is the first attempt to summarize the knowledge on biology, biodiversity, ecology and management of biological soil crusts on a global scale. I believe the authors have succeeded admirably. … This important book will surely inspire others to broaden our knowledge of these widely distributed and still relatively little known communities. ... Therefore, it is highly recommended to everybody interested in any aspect of the ecology of hot and cold deserts." (Leopoldo G. Sancho, The Lichenologist, Vol. 36 (1), 2004)

"This book had its genesis as a part of the series ‘Ecological Studies’ … . The authors use amazing original pictures to show the structure … and the natural beauty of the biological soil crusts. … this book is a comprehensive presentation and the first global synthesis of the biology of soil crusts and their importance as an ecosystem component. … can be recommended to a wide readership: it should be accessible to all research groups interested in botany, plant physiology, ecology or conservation biology." (Zs. R. Benkö, Community Ecology, Vol. 4 (1), 2003)

Product Details

• Paperback: 503 pages
• Publisher: Springer (December 5, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3540437576
• ISBN-13: 978-3540437574
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #909,843 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars High Recommendation, March 2, 2007

By 

T. Vanover "Perpet Student" (Washington, United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Biological Soil Crusts (Paperback)

After being frustrated of where to find helpful data about microbial crusts I asked a Army Corp of Engineer professional with a long documented research history of microbial crusts. He recommended this book and basically anything that Belnap is involved in. I find it containing a plethora of information that encourages me in my studies. There are case studies of microbial crusts from around the world in it, as well as a foundational information pertaining to the structure and purpose of these micro communities. I am eager to reference this in my thesis.

5.0 out of 5 stars The "Wholly" Book of BSCs, May 3, 2005

By 

Casey Allen "Geographer" (All Over The World, as time permits of course...) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Biological Soil Crusts (Paperback)

Compiled and written by various experts from many different academic fields, this book represents our sum-total knowledge of biological soil crusts (BSCs) to date (at least, as of 2003). It is logically-arranged into different sections and chapters, each written by an expert in that area. It is fully referenced throughout, and includes bibliographies at the end of each chapter.

The book is a valuable research tool for exploring nearly any topic related to BSCs--from the microbial structure to their biogeography. It also discusses areas of further research needed, and how much we still lack in knowledge about this wonderful ecosystem.

If you have ever wanted to know the intricacies associated with BSCs, or are simply a curious scientist (or generally curious person, I suppose), this is a superb introduction and overview of a quite complex ecosystem. It is an invaluable research resource.

BSCs are found all over the world, and it is a shame that more people aren't aware of them, their accompanying benefits, and the need to preserve them.