Lessons in dryland restoration with biocrust mosses

Dryland bryophytes are remarkable, with adaptations to survive extreme UV, temperature and water stress while providing key ecosystem functions. Drylands are among the most degraded terrestrial ecosystems, and restoration using bryophytes and associated biocrust communities has potential to improve outcomes for ecosystem function and future resilience to physical and climate disturbances. We have cultivated bryophytes in a variety of settings; however, transfer successfully to the field has been more problematic. We will review a variety of methods, including sods, fog cultivation and pellets, focusing on best practices to date, critical next steps and barriers to creating a viable restoration technology.