In arid and semiarid areas, the interplant spaces are usually covered by physical and biological soil crusts. These crusts, though representing an almost neglig
CD-ROM Water availability is one of the main limiting factors that control ecosystem functions and productivity in semiarid regions. Vegetation of these regions
Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are widely distributed throughout the world, and cover approximately 12% of the terrestrial surface. Biocrusts are composed o