Describes the types of soil crusts and their importance in maintaining rangeland and soil health
As a result of attending this class the trainee will be able to: (1) Identify the major components of Biological soil crusts; (2) Distinguish biological soil crusts from physical or chemical soil crusts; (3) Determine what soil types and plant communities have high potential for biological soil crusts; (4) Identify the ecological and hydrological roles filled by biological soil crusts; (5) Assess impacts of different types and intensities of activities on biological soil crusts; (6) Develop management alternatives and guidelines that maintain ecological functions of biological soil crusts; and (7) Integrate biological soil crusts assessment into routine monitoring procedures.