Cyanobacteria-dominated soil crusts are a significant component of Australian arid and semi-arid landscapes. Morphogenetic adaptation has enabled cyanobacteria to respond to both short- and long-term changes in their environment. Cyanobacteria thrive on intermittent ‘nuisance’ rain and have the capacity to withstand inundation by sand, excessive temperatures and long periods of desiccation. They respond to moisture within a few seconds of wetting where respiration commences with as little as 0.5 mm precipitation. Cyanobacterial soil crusts attained positive net photosynthesis at 37oC. Certain species appeared to respond differently to the effects of drought. Our data showed that following two years of severe drought, four species of cyanobacteria responded well to rain, recovering close to pre-drought levels after the first year. ...
Anderson, L., van Klinken, R. D., and Shepherd, D. (2008). Aerially surveying Mesquite (Prosopis spp.) in the Pilbara. In: 'A Climate of Change in the Rangelands. Proceedings of the 15th Australian Rangeland Society Biennial Conference'. (Ed. D. Orr) 4 pages. (Australian Rangeland Society: Australia).
Full-text publications from the Australian Rangelands Society (ARS) Biennial Conference Proceedings (1997-), Rangeland Journal (ARS/CSIRO; 1976-), plus videos and other resources about the rangelands of Australia.