State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
S. Wang
Yuzhong Mountain Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
L. Ma
State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
L. Ma
Yuzhong Mountain Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
L. Yang
State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
L. Yang
Yuzhong Mountain Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
Y. Ma
State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
Y. Ma
Yuzhong Mountain Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
Y. Zhang
Key Laboratory of Ecological Safety and Sustainable Development in Arid Lands, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
Y. Zhang
Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station, Northwest Institute of EcoEnvironment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
C. Zhao
State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
C. Zhao
Yuzhong Mountain Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
N. Chen
State Key Laboratory of Herbage Improvement and Grassland Agro-ecosystems, College of Ecology, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
N. Chen
Yuzhong Mountain Ecosystems Observation and Research Station, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, PR China
N. Chen
Instituto Multidisciplinar para el Estudio del Medio “Ramon Margalef”, Universidad de Alicante, Carretera de San Vicente del Raspeig s/n, San Vicente del Raspeig Alicante 03690, Spain
Biological soil crusts (biocrusts hereafter) cover a substantial proportion of the dryland ecosystem and play crucial roles in ecological processes such as biogeochemical cycles, water distribution, and soil erosion. Consequently, studying the spatial distribution of biocrusts holds great significance for drylands, especially on a global scale, but it remains limited. This study aimed to simulate global-scale investigations of biocrust distribution by introducing three major approaches, namely spectral characterization indices, dynamic vegetation models, and geospatial models, while discussing their applicability. We then summarized the present understanding of the factors influencing biocrust distribution. Finally, to further advance this field, we proposed several potential research topics and directions, including the development of a standardized biocrust database, enhancement of non-vascular vegetation dynamic models, integration of multi-sensor monitoring, extensive use of machine learning, and a focus on regional research co-development. This work will significantly contribute to mapping the biocrust distribution and thereby advance our understanding of dryland ecosystem management and restoration.
