Pioneer biocrust communities prevent soil erosion in temperate forests after disturbances

• Published in: Biogeosciences Vol. 19; no. 13; pp. 3225 - 3245
• Main Authors: Gall, Corinna, Nebel, Martin, Quandt, Dietmar, Scholten, Thomas, Seitz, Steffen
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Katlenburg-Lindau Copernicus GmbH 11.07.2022; Copernicus Publications
• Subjects: Algae; Bryophytes; Clay; Clay loam; Climate change; Climatic changes; Concretions; Crusts; Cyanobacteria; Disturbances; Ecological succession; Ecosystems; Environmental protection; Erosion control; Flowers & plants; Forest floor; Forest harvesting; Forest soils; Forestry; Forests; Forests and forestry; Heavy vehicles; Leaf litter; Litter fall; Plants; Rain; Rainfall; Rainfall simulators; Restoration; Runoff; Sediment; Sediment discharge; Sediment transport; Sedimentary rocks; Shale; Soil conservation; Soil erosion; Soil erosion control; Soil surfaces; Species richness; Substrates; Summer; Temperate forests; Timber; Vegetation; Germany

Soil erosion continues to be one of the most serious environmental problems of our time and is exacerbated by progressive climate change. Until now, forests have been considered an ideal erosion control. However, even minor disturbances of the forest floor, for example, from heavy vehicles used for...