Soil is the most important resource for terrestrial ecosystems since it is the root environment for plants. In arid ecosystems, water and nutrients are critical resources for establishment and sustainability of vegetation. The diversity of desert vegetation is dependent on a variety of characteristics of soil. Animals that live in soil affect its productivity. Burrowing can improve water infiltration and storage.
Some animals bring selected soil particles from deep underground to the surface.
This behavior contributes to creation of soil with varying texture, creating an environment for desert plants to grow. Scientists address questions about the predictability of patterns of animal disturbances, erosion rates of soil from animal produced excavations, and how climate affects soil disturbance variation. These findings will lead to valuable knowledge that may influence conservation of soil and water resources, restoration of disturbed arid lands, and support of ecosystem management in arid and semi-arid lands. IALC promotes cooperative research and practical application of new knowledge to develop sustainable ecological practices. The member institutions and their affiliates share a mission to enable people of arid lands to improve the quality of life for future generations.