Litter Decomposition Rates of Biocrust-Forming Lichens Are Similar to Those of Vascular Plants and Are Affected by Warming

Despite the high relevance of communities dominated by lichens, mosses and cyanobacteria living on soil surface (biocrusts) for ecosystem functioning in drylands, no study to date has investigated decomposition biocrust-forming lichen litter situ. Thus, we do not know whether drivers its are similar those plant (for example, importance abiotic degradation through UV radiation), magnitude rates they will be affected ongoing climate change. Here report results from a experiment carried out with two lichens (Diploschistes diacapsis Cladonia convoluta) that differ chemical quality (C:N ratio) central Spain. We evaluated how was warming, rainfall exclusion their combination. also manipulated incidence radiation using mesh material blocked 10% or 90% incoming radiation. Our indicate decompose as fast some plants typical area (k ~ 0.3 y?1). observed differences among species studied line what is expected according composition. Warming increased both 28% mediated effects photodegradation. Although exposure accelerated D. diacapsis, it slowed C. convoluta. can field at rate vascular this process warming. The findings presented emphasize need considering biocrusts tissues when honing models aiming forecast carbon cycling responses change drylands.