Microbiotic soil crusta research forefront in desertification-prone areas
生物土壤结皮——荒漠化地区研究的热点问题

Microbiotic soil crust exists in desertification\|prone areas.The authors overviews the significant role,which microbiotic crust plays in desertification and its recovery processes.This paper focuses on the concept of crusts,the influence of crust on ecosystem and landscape change,including hydrological cycle,soil erosion,soil nutrient cycle,seedling establishment and growth of vascular plant,animal diversity,landscape heterogeneity,assessment of ecosystem change,and response of crust to disturbance and its recovery.Some preliminary suggestions are given for further understanding the relationship between microbiotic soil crust and ecosystem or landscape in desertification\|prone areas.