Despite the massive use of soil storage, its impact on soil microbial parameters (SMPs) has been assessed in a very scattered way. I analysed 73 research articles dealing with the impact of storage practices on various SMPs. The results show significant effects of all storage practices on SMPs in a vast majority of cases. Storage practices should be carefully selected according to the conditions that prevail in the native soil environment and to the SMPs of interest.

Biological soil crusts cover a substantial proportion of dryland ecosystems and play crucial roles in ecological processes. Consequently, studying the spatial distribution of biocrusts holds great significance. This study aimed to stimulate global-scale investigations of biocrust distribution by introducing three major approaches. Then, we summarized present understandings of biocrust distribution. Finally, we proposed several potential research topics.