Student Work

Cryptobiotic Crusts of Desert Ecosystems

Public

Downloadable Content

open in viewer

Cryptobiotic 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

Relations

In Collection:

Items

Items

Permanent link to this page: https://digital.wpi.edu/show/ht24wm10c