Blue-green algae in southern Australian rangeland soils [South Australia; survey; Cyanophyta; Cyanobacteria]
1989
Rogers, R.W. (Queensland Univ., St Lucia (Australia). Dept. of Botany)
Blue-green algae were found in 134 of the 136 samples collected. The species were identified, and represented several apparently capable of nitrogen fixation, and all produce a gelatinous sheath which can bind soil particles to produce soil-surface crusts. It is likely that lichens and blue-green algae are important for the ecology of arid rangelands now, and if climatic change destroys the lichens which are very heat sensitive when wet, blue-greens may become even more significant in soil conservation and the maintenance of pasture productivity. Both lichens and blue-green algae merit inclusion in assessments of range condition.
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