| Abstract: | Drylands constitute the most extensive terrestrial biome, covering more than one-third of the Earth‘s continental surface. In these environments, stress limits animal and plant life, so life forms that can survive desiccation and then resume growth following subsequent wetting assume the foremost role in ecosystem processes. In this Review, we describe how these organisms assemble in unique soil- and rock-surface communities to form a thin veneer of mostly microbial biomass across hot and cold deserts. These communities mediate inputs and outputs of gases, nutrients and water from desert surfaces, as well as regulating weathering, soil stability, and hydrological and nutrient cycles. The magnitude of regional and global desert-related environmental impacts is affected by these surface communities; here, we also discuss the challenges for incorporating the consideration of these communities and their effects into the management of dryland resources. |
| Genre: | Article |
| ProdID: | 70040700 |
| Citation Author: | Pointing, Stephen B.; Belnap, Jayne |
| Citation Contributing Office: | Southwest Biological Science Center |
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| Citation End Page: | 562 |
| Citation Issue: | 8 |
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| Citation Language: | English |
| Citation Larger Work Title: | Nature Reviews Microbiology |
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| Citation Month: | AUG |
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| Citation Phsyical Description: | 12 p. |
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| Citation Publisher: | Nature Publishing Group |
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| Citation Search Results Text: | Microbial colonization and controls in dryland systems; 2012; Article; Journal; Nature Reviews Microbiology; Pointing, Stephen B.; Belnap, Jayne |
| Citation Start Page: | 551 |
| Citation Volume: | 10 |
| Citation Year: | 2012 |
| Type: | citation/reference |
| Text: | Microbial colonization and controls in dryland systems; 2012; Article; Journal; Nature Reviews Microbiology; Pointing, Stephen B.; Belnap, Jayne |
| URL (DIGITAL OBJECT IDENTIFIER): | http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nrmicro2854 |
| URL (THUMBNAIL): | http://pubs.er.usgs.gov/thumbnails/outside_thumb.jpg |
| Date Other: | Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00 -0600 |
| Publisher: | Nature Publishing Group |
