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Abstract

The progression from reclamation research to operational application is a path of discovery particularly in the field of biocrusts. Biocrusts, or biological soil crusts, are the interface between the living and nonliving components of soil and are the building blocks of ecological recovery. Biocrusts contribute to soil stability, water retention, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and are integral to ecological restoration. Building on completed research requires a comprehensive approach that integrates past findings with innovative methodologies to enhance our understanding and practical application of biocrusts. Since 2019 studies have been undertaken at Gibraltar Mine and other similar mine locations in British Columbia and throughout Canada to understand the role biocrusts may have on tailings dam ecological recovery on coarse substrates that are often prone to wind dispersion. To transition from these research insights to operational readiness, we develop protocols for biocrust cultivation, transplantation, and monitoring. The synthesis of existing data to identify gaps and formulate new research questions involves analyses and systematic reviews of previous studies by extracting overarching patterns and insights. Interdisciplinary partnerships are needed to advance the reference sites, greenhouse trials, and eventual field trials. Pilot projects that test biocrust applications in real-world settings were established. What do we do when we need to re-evaluate unexpected outcomes? The goal is to develop operationally viable, cost-effective, and sustainable biocrust establishment. Developing partnerships with land managers, policymakers, local communities and academia is vital. The creation of technological innovations, such as biocrust propagation systems and remote monitoring tools, can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of biocrust applications. Continuous feedback loops between research and practice allow for iterative improvements and adaptive management strategies. We examine the work completed to date, what worked and what did not work, and how adaptive management drives the research needed to attain operational readiness.