Global Change and the Future of Biological Soil Crusts

Abstract

Global change caused by anthropogenic activities may significantly modify the abundance, structure, and function of biological soil crusts. The components of global change can be grouped into (1) those that impact discreet sites but are occurring on a global scale, such as land-use change and invasive species, and (2) those that alter atmospheric chemistry resulting in changes in CO2 concentration, UV radiation, temperature, and precipitation (Vitousek 1994). In this chapter we will examine how land-use change, invasive species, elevated atmospheric CO2, increased UV radiation, and climate change may affect biological soil crusts and the ecosystems which they inhabit.