Post by Tucson Grower on Jan 17, 2023 23:20:22 GMT -6
As I was digging my future peanut growing sites, I was reminded of the prevalence of cyanobacteria in our desert environment. And especially, throughout the arroyo area, where I plan to grow peanuts.
It was the first time that short native grass species had carpeted the surface of the arroyo sand. So, as I was clearing the dead grass remnants I couldn't help but notice the soil surface between many of the grass plants was a dark blue-green layer of cyanobacteria. I'd seen them many times before, they are somewhat ubiquitous and apparently important in starting the formation of topsoil.
It was the first time that short native grass species had carpeted the surface of the arroyo sand. So, as I was clearing the dead grass remnants I couldn't help but notice the soil surface between many of the grass plants was a dark blue-green layer of cyanobacteria. I'd seen them many times before, they are somewhat ubiquitous and apparently important in starting the formation of topsoil.