Has water limited our imagination for aridland biogeochemistry?

Amy T. Austin

doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2011.02.003

doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2011.02.003

Has water limited our imagination for aridland biogeochemistry?

Amy T. Austin

36

Trends in Ecology and Evolution

Volume: 26, Issue: 5, Pages: 229 - 235

Published: May 1, 2011

Abstract

The classic ecological paradigm for deserts, that all processes are controlled by water availability, has limited our imagination for exploring other controls on the cycling of carbon and nutrients in aridland ecosystems. This review of recent studies identifies alternative mechanisms that challenge the idea that all soil processes in aridlands are proximately water-limited, and highlights the significance of photodegradation of aboveground...