Call for Papers

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are thin, cohesive, and photosynthetic soil surface layers, engineered and inhabited by communities of diverse organisms. Biocrusts occur in ecosystems around the world, including drylands, and contribute substantially to ecosystem function. These contributions to ecosystem function have motivated research on biocrust biology, restoration science, and land management. As this work continues to grow, we gain appreciation for the myriad ways that biocrusts contribute to human well-being and the ways that humans impact ecosystem health through biological soil crusts.

This special issue seeks recent research in biocrust science, restoration, and management. It will address the following topics:

1. biocrust-plant interactions
2. biocrust-microarthropod interactions
3. roles of biological soil crusts in nutrient cycling
4. biocrust responses to land or soil treatments like composting or herbicide application
5. biocrust responses to climate change
6. social science methods for the role of biocrusts in land conservation

 We especially encourage research from a social angle, for example understanding impacts of climate change on health and disease through soil microbial exposures. We welcome contributions on biological soil crusts from around the world.

Guest Editors:

Sierra Jech, Northern Arizona University

Anita Antoninka, Northern Arizona University

Kristina Young, Department of Integrative Biology, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Michala Phillips, Pacific Island Ecosystems Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey

Corey Nelson, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

Lindsay Chiquoine, University of Nevada Las Vegas

Submissions deadline: 31 October 2026