Vulnerability of desert biological soil crusts to wind erosion: The influences of crust development, soil texture, and disturbance

Belnap, J.; Gillette, D. A.

Abstract:

Biological soil crusts, consisting of cyanobacteria, green algae, lichens, and mosses, are important in stabilizing soils in semi-arid and arid lands. Integrity of these crusts is compromised by compressional disturbances such as foot, vehicle, or livestock traffic. Using a portable wind tunnel, we found threshold friction velocities (TFVs) of undisturbed crusts well above wind forces experienced at these sites; consequently, these soils are not vulnerable to wind erosion. However, recently disturbed soils or soils with less well-developed crusts frequently experience wind speeds that exceed the stability thresholds of the crusts. Crustal biomass is concentrated in the top 3 mm of soils. Sandblasting by wind can quickly remove this material, thereby reducing N and C inputs from these organisms. This loss can result in reduced site productivity, as well as exposure of unprotected subsurface sediments to wind and water erosion. Actions to reduce impacts to these crusts can include adjustments in type, intensity, and timing of use.

Genre:

Conference Paper

ProdID:

70020351

Citation Author:

Belnap, J.; Gillette, D. A.

Citation Contributing Office:

Citation Datum:

Citation Day:

Citation Edition:

Citation Editor:

Citation End Page:

142

Citation Issue:

Citation Keywords:

Citation Language:

English

Citation Larger Work Title:

Journal of Arid Environments

Citation LatN:

Citation LatS:

Citation LonE:

Citation LonW:

Citation Month:

Citation No Pagination:

Citation Number Of Pages:

Citation Online Only Flag:

Citation Phsyical Description:

Citation Projection:

Citation Public Comments:

Citation Publisher:

Citation Series:

Citation Series Code:

Citation Series Number:

Citation Search Results Text:

Vulnerability of desert biological soil crusts to wind erosion: The influences of crust development, soil texture, and disturbance; 1998; Conference Paper; Journal of Arid Environments; Belnap, J.; Gillette, D. A.