Co-development of biocrust and herbaceous plant communities in sandy areas after cyanobacterial inoculation

Aims The artificial cultivation of cyanobacterial crusts represents a novel technique for sand stabilization. Herbaceous plants are the main components of desert biodiversity and are important for ecological restoration efforts in dryland areas. However, there is a lack of research on the interaction between artificially-cultivated cyanobacterial crusts and herbaceous plant diversity. Methods Artificially-cultivated cyanobacterial crusts were monitored for three years after inoculation, as well as the composition, growth and diversity of associated herbaceous plant communities. Results (1) The percent cover, thickness, and chlorophyll a content of the artificially-cultivated cyanobacterial crusts gradually increased over time, with the chlorophyll a and exopolysaccharide content eventually matching that of eleven-year-old naturally-developed biological soil crusts. (2) Ten herbaceous species belonging to five families and ten genera were identified in association with the artificial cyanobacterial crusts, and herb cover, biomass, richness and abundance generally increased over time with significant differences among years(P < 0.05). (3) Correlation analyses revealed that the relationship between the artificial cyanobacterial crust and herbaceous plant communities shifted from positive to negative over time. Conclusion Artificial cyanobacterial inoculation fostered the co-development of biocrusts and herbaceous plants, potentially accelerating the recovery of desert ecosystem functions. This study provides a theoretical basis for the further promotion and large-scale application of artificially-cultivated cyanobacterial crusts.