Biocrusts are the skin of the Earth

Biological soil crusts (biocrusts) are thin, living layers that form on the surface of soils in arid and semi-arid regions, composed of cyanobacteria, algae, lichens, fungi, and mosses. These microscopic ecosystems play a crucial role in soil stabilization, carbon and nitrogen cycling, and water retention, making them vital for sustaining fragile desert and steppe environments.

Iran’s vast landscapes — from the central deserts to the high plateaus and dry mountain foothills — provide ideal habitats for a remarkable diversity of biocrust communities. Despite their ecological importance, Iranian biocrusts remain among the least studied components of the country’s biodiversity.

At MYCOLICH, we are investigating the composition, ecological function, and resilience of biological soil crusts across Iran. Using field ecology, microscopy, molecular identification, and chemical profiling, our research aims to document native biocrust-forming organisms, understand their environmental adaptations, and assess their potential role in ecosystem restoration and climate resilience.