Effect of biological soil crusts on microbial activity in soils of the Tengger Desert (China)

Abstract Soil microbes, as an important biological component of soils, have a function in the formation of soils and soil-remediation processes. This paper aims to analyze effects of biocrusts on soil microbial activities in desert ecosystems. Two sets of samples were collected under biocrusts in April, July, October, 2013, and January, 2014, in natural and revegetated areas of the Tengger Desert. The results showed that biocrusts significantly improved soil physicochemical properties, basal respiration and the quantity of soil alkaline phosphatase, protease, and cellulose, and decreased q CO 2 in vegetated areas. Impact of biocrusts on soil microbial activities also varied, depending on the successional stage of crusts and the restoration age. Soil basal respiration and enzyme activity were obviously higher, but q CO 2 were significantly lower in moss-dominated crusts than those dominated by cyanobacteria-lichen. Soil basal respiration and enzyme activity positively correlated with the restoration age, but q CO 2 negatively correlated with the restoration age. Soil basal respiration and enzyme activity were the highest in summer, followed by autumn, and the lowest in spring and winter; whereas, q CO 2 displayed an opposite trend. The study suggests that biocrusts have the ability to improve soil quality and promote soil recovery in vegetated areas of the Tengger Desert.