Review on the application of biological soil crusts in the prevention and control of aeolian desertification

doi:10.7522/j.issn.1000-694X.2025.00091

Journal of Desert Research ›› 2025, Vol. 45 ›› Issue (3): 31-38.DOI: 10.7522/j.issn.1000-694X.2025.00091

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Review on the application of biological soil crusts in the prevention and control of aeolian desertification

Yang Zhao¹(), Yuchao Lian¹^,², Yanqiao Zhao¹, Wenwen Xu¹^,², Yixue Zhao¹^,²

^1.Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station，Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources，Chinese Academy of Sciences，Lanzhou 730000，China
^2.University of Chinese Academy of Sciences，Beijing 100049，China

Received:2025-02-27 Revised:2025-03-25 Online:2025-05-20 Published:2025-06-30

Abstract

Abstract:

The rapid development of artificial biological soil crust （BSC） technology for desertification control and ecological restoration has emerged as a new model for managing desertified land and a frontier research focus in arid ecosystem restoration. Artificially cultivated BSC plays a crucial role in accelerating ecological restoration by significantly reducing the time required for BSC formation and development. Under natural conditions， BSC formation typically takes 10 to 20 years， whereas artificial BSC can be established within approximately one year， greatly shortening the stabilization period of sand surfaces and expediting the recovery of ecosystem functions in arid regions. The Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station/Ningxia Shapotou National Field Scientific Observation and Research Station for Desert Ecosystems （hereinafter referred to as the Shapotou Station）， established in 1955 and affiliated with the Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources， Chinese Academy of Sciences， is one of China's key research bases for arid zone ecology. It is also among the earliest institutions to systematically study the theory and application of artificial BSC technology for rapid desertification control. On the occasion of its 70th anniversary， this paper systematically reviews and analyzes the major progress made by the Shapotou Station research team in this field over the past 20 years. Furthermore， it provides a forward-looking perspective on the future development of artificial BSC technology in desertification control research. The study aim to offer a comprehensive and precise understanding of the role of artificial BSC technology in desertification control and its impact on ecosystem functions. Additionally， they provide a scientific basis for the optimization， refinement， and large-scale application of related technologies， ultimately contributing to the continuous improvement of arid-zone ecological environments and sustainable development.

Key words: desertified land management, artificial biological soil crusts, desert cyanobacteria, sandy areas

CLC Number:

Q948

Yang Zhao, Yuchao Lian, Yanqiao Zhao, Wenwen Xu, Yixue Zhao. Review on the application of biological soil crusts in the prevention and control of aeolian desertification[J]. Journal of Desert Research, 2025, 45(3): 31-38.

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Review on the application of biological soil crusts in the prevention and control of aeolian desertification

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