Changes in soil carbon sequestration and emission in different succession stages of biological soil crusts in a sand-binding area

BACKGROUND: We investigated the spatio-temporal dynamics of soil carbon dioxide (CO₂)- and soil methane (CH₄)-flux during biological soil crust (BSCs) deposition in a sand-binding area in the eastern Chinese Hobq Desert. The trends in soil organic carbon (C) content and density were analyzed during this process. The sampling sites comprised a mobile dune (control) and those with algal, lichen, and moss crust-fixed sands. The desert soil CO₂- and CH₄-flux, temperature, and water content were measured from May to October in 2017 and 2018. Simultaneously, organic C content and density were measured and analyzed by stratification. RESULTS: The spatio-temporal variation in desert soil CO₂-flux was apparent. The average CO₂- fluxes in the control, algal, lichen, and moss sites were 1.67, 2.61, 5.83, and 6.84 mmol m⁻² h⁻¹, respectively, during the growing season, and the average CH₄-fluxes in the four sites were − 1.13, − 1.67, − 3.66, and − 3.77 µmol m⁻² h⁻¹, respectively. Soil temperature was significantly positively correlated with CO₂-flux but could not influence CH₄ absorption, and C flux had minimal correlation with soil water content. The soil total organic C density at all sites was significantly different and decreased as follows: moss > lichen > algal > control; moreover, it decreased with soil depth at all sites. The accumulation of desert soil organic C could enhance soil C emissions. CONCLUSION: In a semi-arid desert, artificial planting could promote sand fixation and BSCs succession; therefore, increasing the C storage capacity of desert soils and decreasing soil C emissions could alter the C cycle pattern in desert ecosystems. Soil temperature is the major factor controlling desert soil CO₂ flux and vegetation restoration, and BSCs development could alter the response patterns of C emissions to moisture conditions in desert soils. The results provide a scientific basis for studying the C cycle in desert ecosystems.