Keywords
carbon dioxide
productivity
seasonal dynamics
Cyanobacteria
Chlorophyta
Streptophyta
Heterokontophyta
How to Cite
Abstract
This paper presents empirical data on the contribution of soil microalgae and cyanobacteria in steppe ecosystems to the assimilation of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Our findings indicate that Cyanobacteria predominated within the soil phototrophic assemblages of these steppe ecosystems, while Chlorophyta, Streptophyta, and Heterokontophyta (Eustigmatophyceae, Xanthophyceae and Bacillariophyceae) played a secondary role. The abundance, biomass and carbon sequestration of soil microalgae and cyanobacteria exhibited distinct seasonal dynamics, peaking during the autumn period when the moisture conditions were optimal. Microclimatic conditions that developed within relief depressions further facilitated the growth of these microphototrophs. The active biomass of microalgae and cyanobacteria ranged from 10.52 kg RW ha-1 to 31.87 kg RW ha-1. Net primary production (NPP) generated monthly by microalgae and cyanobacteria within the upper 0-5 cm soil layer reached up to 1.96 g m-2 month-1 (expressed as equivalent carbon). This represents approximately 7% of the average primary biological productivity of vascular plants in natural steppe ecosystems. When considering the synthesized exogenous organic compounds released during life cycles and the rapid incorporation of this biomass into grazing food webs, the overall contribution of soil microalgae and cyanobacteria to atmospheric carbon sequestration may be substantially higher.
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