Drylands are highly vulnerable to soil degradation, requiring active restoration strategies. This PhD thesis explores sustainable, nature-based solutions to improve restoration outcomes, often ineffective in these areas. The combination of biocrust-forming cyanobacteria with organic amendments showed synergistic effects in enhancing soil fertility and stability. Additionally, pelletization of cyanobacteria and amendments demonstrated strong potential in storing the inoculum for large-scale application. Finally, spatial modelling revealed that strategically integrating biocrusts and vegetation optimizes resource redistribution, reduces erosion, and maximizes restoration success.
