Poster, BIOTA-International Congress Biodiversity of Africa - Observation and Sustainable Management for our Future!, Spier, RSA: 2008-09-29 - 2008-10-03
Abstract:
The distribution of lichen taxa forming biological soil crusts and of their morphological groups has been analysed at different BIOTA observatories located in Namibia, in relation to soil type. Different soil parameters have been considered for analysis: e.g., pH, EC, content of silt, clay and sand, total amount of Ca, Mg and P, content of calcium carbonate. Results show that soil is one of the most important drivers of lichen diversity at the studied sites. Patterns can be recognized in the distribution of lichen species, communities and morphological groups on different soil types (e.g. calcisols, luvisols, arenosols), so that lichens can be regarded as suitable indicators of given soil conditions.