Student Work
Cryptobiotic Crusts of Desert Ecosystems
PublicCryptobiotic soil (cbs) is a vital component of the desert ecosystem, responsible for carbon and nitrogen fixation, maintenance of soil stability, and reduction of wind and water erosion. Here the possibility of creating a soil structure that emulates cbs found in the desert southwest based upon a composition dominated by three kinds of cyanobacteria, Nostoc, Microcoleus, and cynctonema is explored. Soil samples experienced growth indicating that a consistent method of growing cbs may be perfected and utilized by other researchers.
- This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.
- Creator
- Publisher
- Identifier
- E-project-042705-232141
- Advisor
- Year
- 2005
- Date created
- 2005-04-27
- Resource type
- Major
- Rights statement
- License
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