In temperate desert regions, mosses are extensively distributed. They play an important role in stabilizing sand, increasing soil moisture, reducing soil temperature, and providing a refuge for desert microorganisms. However, global warming is altering the precipitation patterns in deserts, leading to significant moss mortality.

The impact of moss mortality on desert soil environments is worthy to be studied. A research team led by Professor ZHANG Yuanming from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography of the Chinese Academy of Sciences reported the findings on this issue in a paper published in Land Degradation & Development. 

The researchers collected samples of living and dead moss crust soils (Syntrichia caninervis) from the Gurbantunggut Desert, and analyzed the soil nutrient content and microbial community characteristics.

The results indicated that dead moss crusts increase organic carbon storage in the soil, which enhances soil nitrogen and phosphorus nutrient cycling, thereby increasing soil multifunctionality. However, they showed that moss mortality significantly reduces soil microbial activity with fungi being more adversely affected than bacteria.

"The long-term consequences of damaged microbial networks are likely to lead to desert soil degradation, thus it is important to enhance the management and protection of non-vascular plants such as mosses," said YIN Benfeng, first author of this study.

This study offers scientific evidence of the mosses' role in maintaining the quality of soil in desert ecosystems and preventing soil degradation and desertification under global climate changes.