Enhancing Soil Health Through Biocrusts: A Microbial Ecosystem Approach for Degradation Control and Restoration.

Escalating global concerns about soil degradation, driven by erosion, salinization, compaction, pollution, and organic matter loss, highlights the critical need for sustainable remediation. Biocrusts-complex communities of cyanobacteria, algae, lichens, bryophytes, and fungi-play a pivotal role in soil stabilization, erosion prevention, and nutrient cycling. This study presents recent advancements in biocrust application for soil management and restoration, focusing on artificial biocrusts as a nature-based solution biotechnology. It emphasizes their effectiveness in enhancing soil quality, biodiversity, and ecosystem functionality. Researchers are leveraging these microbial communities to develop strategies that improve soil health and rehabilitate degraded landscapes. The review concludes that biocrusts are a viable strategy for boosting soil resilience and enhancing soil health against environmental stressors. It recommends future research on their long-term ecological impacts and methods to enhance their functionality.