@article{fdi:010018927,
  title = {{M}orphology and microstructure of microbiotic soil crusts on a tiger bush sequence ({N}iger, {S}ahel)},
  author = {{M}alam {I}ssa, {O}. and {T}richet, {J}. and {D}{\'e}farge, {C}. and {C}out{\'e}, {A}. and {V}alentin, {C}hristian},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{M}icrobiotic crusts resulting from the colonization of soil surfaces by communities of microorganisms dominated by cyanobacteria, eucaryotic algae or lichens are widespread in arid and semi-arid regions. {I}n the 'tiger bush' of {N}iger ({S}ahel) microbiotic crusts occur in bare bands between densely vegetated bands. {T}he tiger bush soils are sandy loams with p{H} 4.7-6.5. {T}hree different microbiotic crusts are recognised, forming strips parallel to the vegetation banding. {T}hey are all formed mainly by filamentous cyanobacteria dominated by #{S}chizothrix$. {O}ther important genera are #{S}cytonema$, #{L}yngbya$, #{N}ostoc$, and #{P}hormidium$. {T}he filamentous microorganisms trap sand particles and finer particles stick on the filament surfaces. {T}hese effects enhance coil cohesion and resistance to erosion. {S}oil porosity is also increased by the microbial cover, with additinal pores delineated by filaments on the surfaces of crusts and porous organic bodies derived from microbial remains at depth. {T}he microbiotic crusts are essential components of the tiger bush ecosystem. {W}ater leaving the lower sides of vegetated bands results inplant decay, and on the upslope sides vegetation grows because of increased water supply. {M}icrobial covers help resist erosion, and increase water and nutrient retention, thus providing substrates for the expansion of plants form adjacent vegetated bands. ({R}{\'e}sum{\'e} d'auteur)},
  keywords = {{FORMATION} {VEGETALE} ; {DYNAMIQUE} {DE} {VEGETATION} ; {SURFACE} {DU} {SOL} ; {CROUTE} ; {MICROBIOLOGIE} {DU} {SOL} ; {MICROORGANISME} ; {MICROMORPHOLOGIE} ; {POROSITE} ; {ANALYSE} {PHYSICOCHIMIQUE} ; {CARACTERISTIQUE} {HYDRIQUE} ; {BROUSSE} {TIGREE}},
  booktitle = {{T}he significance of soil, water and landscape processes in banded vegetation patterning},
  journal = {{C}atena},
  volume = {37},
  numero = {1-2},
  pages = {175--196},
  ISSN = {0341-8162},
  year = {1999},
  DOI = {10.1016/{S}0341-8162(99)00052-1},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010018927},
}