rtificial cyanobacteria crusts can improve soil fertility and plant growth in a semi-arid area, northern China

rtificial cyanobacteria crusts are formed by inoculating soil with cyanobacteria. These crusts help prevent soil erosion and restore soil functionality in degraded croplands. However, how fast the artificial cyanobacteria crusts can be formed is a key issue before their practical application. In addition, the effects of artificial cyanobacteria crusts on soil nutrients and plant growth are not fully explored. This study analyzed the effect of inoculation of cyanobacteria from local biological soil crusts on soil nutrients and Pak-choi (Brassica campestris L. ssp. Chinensis Makino var. communis Tsen et Lee; Chinese cabbage) growth in a cropland, northern China through field experiments by comparing with no fertilizer. The results showed that artificial cyanobacteria crusts were formed on the 18th d after inoculation with a coverage of 56.13%, a thickness of 3.74 mm, and biomass of 22.21 g chla/cm2. Artificial cyanobacteria crusts significantly improved the soil organic matter (SOM), NO3--N, total nitrogen (TN) contents, and the activities of sucrase, alkaline phosphatase, urease, and catalase enzymes of plants on the 50th d after inoculation. Additionally, artificial cyanobacteria crusts led to an increase in plant biomass, improved root morphology, and raised the phosphorus and potassium contents in the plants. Furthermore, the biomass of plant grown with artificial cyanobacteria crusts was comparable with that of grown with chemical fertilizer. The study suggested that, considering plant biomass and soil nutrients, it is feasible to prevent wind erosion in the cropland of arid and semi-arid areas by inoculating cyanobacteria crusts. This study provides new perspectives for the sustainable development and environmental management of cropland in arid and semi-arid areas.