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Inspire Session

Session: From the Desert to the Arctic: Ecological Significance of Bryophytes Across Systems

INS 15-10 - Lessons in dryland restoration with biocrust mosses

Thursday, August 18, 2022

10:00 AM – 11:30 AM EDT

Location: 520A

Presenting Author(s)

AA

Anita J. Antoninka, PhD

Assistant Professor, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University
School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, United States

Co-author(s)

AA

Anita J. Antoninka, PhD

Assistant Professor, School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University
School of Forestry, Northern Arizona University, United States
MB

Matthew A. Bowker

Associate Professor
Northern Arizona University
Flagstaff, Arizona, United States
KD

Kyle Doherty

Spatial Ecologist
MPG Ranch, United States
JA

Jasmine Anenberg

Northern Arizona University
RD

Rebecca Durham

MPG Ranch, United States
PR

Philip Ramsey

MPG Ranch
Missoula, Montana, United States
PC

Peter F. Chuckran

Northern Arizona University
MS

Michael Sloan

Northern Arizona University
NM

Nelly McCuistion

Northern Arizona University
HR

Helen Rowe

Northern Arizona University
CT

Colin Tucker, PhD

Research Ecologist
USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station
Madison, Michigan, United States

Dryland bryophytes are remarkable, with adaptations to survive extreme UV, temperature and water stress while providing key ecosystem functions. Drylands are among the most degraded terrestrial ecosystems, and restoration using bryophytes and associated biocrust communities has potential to improve outcomes for ecosystem function and future resilience to physical and climate disturbances. We have cultivated bryophytes in a variety of settings; however, transfer successfully to the field has been more problematic. We will review a variety of methods, including sods, fog cultivation and pellets, focusing on best practices to date, critical next steps and barriers to creating a viable restoration technology.