In the tropical humid environment, microbiotic crusts are widespread on exposed natural and antropic saprolites; yet, their biogeochemical and structural role is virtually ignored. In this work, the interactions involved in the biogeochemical weathering resultant of the action by microorganisms and inferior plants in gneiss saprolites of the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais region were studied. The effects of organo-minerals associations on the formation and structural stabilization of the aggregates were investigated as well as the micropedological of features of the different crusts and of the area under their influence. In addition, cyanobacteria were isolated in culture medium, as the main organisms present in the microbiotic crusts, to evaluate the feasibility of their controlled inoculation in saprolite colonization and stabilization. The weathering degree and mafic or felsic nature of the gneiss influenced the range of pH values, clay activity and the eutrophic/dystrophic character of microbiotic crusts and saprolites. In general, K and Al tended to concentrate in the microbiotic crusts, together with Ca and Mg, except for the mafic saprolites, where high Ca/Mg reserves masked the biochemical cycling. Also, available P, Mn, Pb and Ni were concentrated in the crusts at all points, though a possible atmospheric contribution of Pb is likely. Available N levels were high in the microbiotic crusts due to N fixation by cyanobacteria. The Fe-ditionite combined with micropedological observations suggested a model of Fe oxidation mediated by microorganisms, based on excessO2 produced by cyanobacteria and further utilization of Fe-organic matter by chemolithotrophic bacteria, that derive energy from Fe-oxidation, promoting widespread occurrence of ferruginous micronodules. The SEM observations revealed a marked influence of mucilage on structural stabilization, bridging the organic matter/mineral components. This points to a possible use of algae inoculation as a rehabilitation strategy in recently-exposed road-cuts.
biological crust; biogeochemical cycling; micromorphology; culture of algae