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Relationships between Soil Crust Development and Soil Properties in the Desert Region of North China

Author

Listed:
  • Jiping Niu

    (College of Water Resources and Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Kai Yang

    (Advanced Materials Institute, Shandong Academy of Sciences, Jinan 250014, China)

  • Zejun Tang

    (College of Water Resources and Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China)

  • Yitong Wang

    (College of Water Resources and Civil Engineering, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100083, China)

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of soil crust development on the underlying soil properties. The field sampling work was conducted in June 2016 in the Hobq Desert in Inner Mongolia, North China. Soil crust samples and 0–6, 6–12, 12–18, 18–24, and 24–30 cm deep underlying soil samples were taken from five representative areas of different soil crust development stages. All samples were analyzed for physicochemical properties, including water content, bulk density, aggregate content, organic matter content, enzyme activities, and microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen. The results showed that the thickness, water content, macro-aggregate (>250 μm) content, organic matter content, microbial biomass, and enzyme activities of the soil crusts gradually increased along the soil crust development gradient, while the bulk density of the soil crusts decreased. Meanwhile, the physicochemical and biological properties of the soils below the algal and moss crusts were significantly ameliorated when compared with the physical crust. Moreover, the amelioration effects were significant in the upper horizons (approx. 0–12 cm deep) and diminished quickly in the deeper soil layers.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiping Niu & Kai Yang & Zejun Tang & Yitong Wang, 2017. "Relationships between Soil Crust Development and Soil Properties in the Desert Region of North China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(5), pages 1-15, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:9:y:2017:i:5:p:725-:d:97284
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Xinyou Wang & Quanlin Ma & Hujia Jin & Baoli Fan & Duobin Wang & Huilong Lin, 2019. "Change in Characteristics of Soil Carbon and Nitrogen during the Succession of Nitraria Tangutorum in an Arid Desert Area," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(4), pages 1-15, February.
    2. Mary Thornbush, 2017. "Physical Geography and Environmental Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(12), pages 1-5, November.

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