Biological Soil Crusts in Agroecosystems
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:
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Biological Soil Crusts in Agroecosystems - Research Publications
- Contrasting seasonal patterns and factors regulating biocrust N2-fixation in two Florida agroecosystems.
Kira Sorochkina, Sarah L Strauss, Patrick W Inglett
Frontiers in Microbiology, 2022, 2687 - Seasonality drives microbiome composition and nitrogen cycling in soil below biocrusts
Clayton J Nevins, Patrick W Inglett, Catherine L Reardon, Sarah L Strauss
Soil Biology and Biochemistry, 166, 108551
- Contrasting seasonal patterns and factors regulating biocrust N2-fixation in two Florida agroecosystems.
For more information on this project, check out this presentation::
UF / IFAS SWFREC - Immokalee
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