Context. Organic carbon (OC) plays a vital role in regulating ecological processes and biogeochemical cycling within soil ecosystems. However, there is a lack of information regarding OC concentrations and stoichiometric ratios at different soil depths, particularly in the biocrusted soils of Iran's dryland regions. Aim. To address this knowledge gap, this study aimed to assess the carbohydrate and OC content produced by biocrusts in the Sejzi Plain, located in Isfahan province, Iran. Methods. Sampling was conducted using a stratified random method, with soil samples collected from three distinct sites. Soil parameters were analyzed across three horizons: A (0-5 cm), Btk (5-35 cm), and Byk (35-55 cm). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to identify soil compounds and compare them between areas with and without biocrust cover. Key results. According to the results of the two-way ANOVA, OC, carbohydrates, and mean weight diameter (MWD) were affected by biocrusts throughout the soil profile. Also, the multivariate linear regression model (MLR) using a stepwise method revealed that in the A horizon, OC, carbohydrates, sand, silt, clay, and MWD were significant variables. In the Btk horizon, carbon, carbohydrates, and MWD were identified as important factors, while in the Byk horizon, only OC was significant. Conclusion. The biocrusts had a substantial impact on the soils, leading to the exclusion of other parameters from the model. This suggests that the biocrusts contributed to an increase in OC and carbohydrates within the soil profile from 0 to 35 cm depth. Implications. These results provide valuable insights for ecosystem restoration initiatives. Further is required to consider the implications of the c for improvement of cyanobacterial crusts for increasing of OC along soil profile in arid lands.
Influence of biocrust islands on organic Carbon changes along the soil profile in Sejzi Plain, Iran
Rossi, FedericoPenultimo
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2025-01-01
Abstract
Context. Organic carbon (OC) plays a vital role in regulating ecological processes and biogeochemical cycling within soil ecosystems. However, there is a lack of information regarding OC concentrations and stoichiometric ratios at different soil depths, particularly in the biocrusted soils of Iran's dryland regions. Aim. To address this knowledge gap, this study aimed to assess the carbohydrate and OC content produced by biocrusts in the Sejzi Plain, located in Isfahan province, Iran. Methods. Sampling was conducted using a stratified random method, with soil samples collected from three distinct sites. Soil parameters were analyzed across three horizons: A (0-5 cm), Btk (5-35 cm), and Byk (35-55 cm). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was employed to identify soil compounds and compare them between areas with and without biocrust cover. Key results. According to the results of the two-way ANOVA, OC, carbohydrates, and mean weight diameter (MWD) were affected by biocrusts throughout the soil profile. Also, the multivariate linear regression model (MLR) using a stepwise method revealed that in the A horizon, OC, carbohydrates, sand, silt, clay, and MWD were significant variables. In the Btk horizon, carbon, carbohydrates, and MWD were identified as important factors, while in the Byk horizon, only OC was significant. Conclusion. The biocrusts had a substantial impact on the soils, leading to the exclusion of other parameters from the model. This suggests that the biocrusts contributed to an increase in OC and carbohydrates within the soil profile from 0 to 35 cm depth. Implications. These results provide valuable insights for ecosystem restoration initiatives. Further is required to consider the implications of the c for improvement of cyanobacterial crusts for increasing of OC along soil profile in arid lands.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
