Skip to main content

Southwest Florida Research & Education Center

Southwest Florida Research & Education Center

Soil Microbiology

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts), or microbial mats, are microbial consortia of bacteria, fungi, mosses, and lichens that are common in desert ecosystems worldwide. Biocrusts are generally dominated by cyanobacteria and are primary contributors of nitrogen and carbon to desert ecosystems.

Recently, biocrusts have been identified in Florida citrus groves and vineyards. Our research group, in collaboration with faculty in Gainesville and other states, are working to determine the contribution and interaction of biocrusts to nutrient cycling in agricultural ecosystems.

Papers published by our group on this topic include:

For more information on this project, check out this presentation::

UF / IFAS SWFREC - Immokalee 
2685 SR 29 N | Immokalee, FL 34142
Tel:(239) 658-3468
Fax:(239) 658-3403

Resources by Topic

Biological Soil Crusts - UF/IFAS Publications

    No UF/IFAS Publications Available For Topic Biological Soil Crusts