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Potentials of the microalgae inoculant in restoration of biological soil crusts to combat desertification
Lababpour, A.
Abstract
The world is presently faced to the many
calamities, mainly the increased and rapidly developing
environmental changes, soil degradation as an example of
such environmental problems which is correlated with the
destructive effects of the sandstorms. Biological soil crust
(BSC), a main component of soil, has various environmental
functions including reduction in the erosion by
increasing soil stability and providing a sanctuary for the
growth of the taxa and vascular plants communities.
Destruction of BSC, which naturally can be recovered
slowly in a long time processes, contributes to the desertification
and other environmental catastrophes. Therefore,
accelerating the BSC recovery both the quality and the
quantity of the crust development, especially in the desert
areas, is of the prime interest. Recent advances in the BSC
restoration have provided an immense potential for emulating
the natural restoration methods mainly through
providing soils with inoculant. This paper reviews the
present restoration-based procedures for the biological soil
crust restoration practice. The main landmarks are presented
and highlighted including strain(s) selection and
development, mass biomass production, inoculum preparation,
soil inoculation, soil augmentation, nurseries, and
crust succession monitoring and control. The review also
introduces several successful case studies in the USA and
the Republic of China. Thereafter, the paper briefly documents
the future directions of the research and technologies.
Development of a restoration system through the
application of the microalgae inoculant is an encouraging
aspect for accelerating the BSC recovery of the arid and
semi-arid areas. However, further researches will help to
establish and consolidate the potential of the microalgae
cells and their application in desertification programs in
large scales and in accordance with principles and
requirements mandated by economic standards.
Keywords
Biotechnological productivity; Erosion control; Microalgal mat; Soil community restoration; Soil health
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