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Chinese Journal of Applied Ecology ›› 2019, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (7): 2501-2510.doi: 10.13287/j.1001-9332.201907.008

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Application potential of bryophyte soil crust on the control of karst rocky desertification

CHENG Cai1,2, LI Yu-jie1,2, LONG Ming-zhong3,4, LI Xiao-na1,2*   

  1. 1School of Karst Science, Guizhou Normal University, Guiyang 550001, China;
    2State Key Laboratory Incubation Base for Karst Mountain Ecology Environment of Guizhou Province, Guiyang 550001, China;
    3College of Eco-Environmental Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China;
    4The Institute of Karst Wetland Ecology, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China.
  • Received:2018-11-14 Online:2019-07-15 Published:2019-07-15
  • Contact: * E-mail: maidoulxn413@163.com

Abstract: Karst regions in southwest China are facing serious ecological problems, among which rocky desertification is the most serious one that is urgent to be controlled by more efficient and sustainable ways. We summarized the stress resistance of bryophyte, and the positive effects of bryophyte soil crust on soil stability, soil erosion resistance, soil organic matter content, soil nutrient status, water infiltration and evaporation, the redistribution pattern of precipitation in soil, the reproduction and survival of soil creatures, and the succession of vegetation and biodiversity in karst rocky desertification ecosystem. In those regions, bryophyte soil crust played irreplaceable roles in soil, hydrological and biological processes. The successful practices in desertification regions of north China indicated that artificially cultivated bryophyte soil crust had several advantages, including low cost and high compatibility with environment. In conclusion, artificial cultivation of bryophyte soil crust could be an important supplement to the current comprehensive control measures and will play an important role on the control of karst rocky desertification.