Assessments of ecological health using soil algae diversity in Jargalant-Tain pass, Bogdkhan mountain

Bukhchuluun Tsegmid

doi:10.5564/pmas.v61i03.1822

Abstract

This study is the first of its kind in Mongolia to make an ecological health assessment of birch forest, based on the composition of soil algae species. The Chlorophyta consisted of 54.5 percent of the total algae species. In Jargalant-Tain pass, Bogdkhan Mountain, the ground of the birch forest is drying up. Deterioration of forest soil ecology and the onset of aridity indicate the process of deforestation. Therefore, reforestation is urgently needed.

Highlights

This study is the first of its kind in Mongolia to make an ecological health assessment of birch forest, based on the composition of soil algae species
Soil algae have a significant impact on soil ecological processes in absorbing moisture and nutrients, producing organic matter with the help of sunlight and nutrition of other microorganisms, it is involved in the process of soil formation and nutrient fortification, it maintains and stabilizes soil moisture, protects against water loss, protects soil from erosion, and is involved in biogeochemical soil cycle. [2]
A total of 11 algae species were recorded in the soil of the birch forest

Summary

Introduction

This study is the first of its kind in Mongolia to make an ecological health assessment of birch forest, based on the composition of soil algae species. One celled and filamentous algae in the soil are microscopic and are not visible to the naked eye. Still, they are located on the soil surface and in the middle of the ground, forming a biocoenosis of other microorganisms [1]. Soil algae have a significant impact on soil ecological processes in absorbing moisture and nutrients, producing organic matter with the help of sunlight and nutrition of other microorganisms, it is involved in the process of soil formation and nutrient fortification, it maintains and stabilizes soil moisture, protects against water loss, protects soil from erosion, and is involved in biogeochemical soil cycle. The detection and evaluation of algae species in the soil allow us to assess the essential characteristics, the usage, and the protection of vegetation biogeocenosis [1]

Objectives

Methods

Results