BSC (biological soil crust) Method for soil erosion control and vegetation recovery: Case studies in Japan

Abstract

The biological soil crust (BSC) is a naturally occurring vegetation layer in the topsoil that is composed of a diverse array of microscopic living organisms such as cyanobacteria, green algae, lichen, liverworts, moss, micro-fungi, and other bacteria. BSC cover is well recognized for mitigating soil erosion caused by wind forces and overland flow. By forming a sheet-like soil microbe community, BSC cover can bind loose soil particles, stabilize and protect soil surfaces. This article reviews the applications of human-induced BSC, namely BSC Method, that was developed by the Japanese company Nippon Koei Co. Ltd. The BSC Method utilizes an algal species called BSC-1. We also discussed the BSC projects undertaken by Nippon Koei Co. Ltd between 2016 and 2021. BSC Method has been demonstrated to be effective in preventing and controlling soil erosion and regenerating vegetation; this method is simple, eco-friendly, and inexpensive.