Crusts can be the dominant source of fixed nitrogen in some semiarid ecosystems. The nitrogen appears to be available to higher plants. The water holding capacity of crusts has been proposed to benefit surrounding vegetation by slowing evaporation. It has also been proposed that this ability to hold water may be so strong as to prevent vegetation from accessing it, thereby decreasing available water. So far, a conclusion has not been reached on this issue.
Results are likely to be site specific.
Infiltration Crusts can alter infiltration. Some studies have shown increases in infiltration in the presence of crusts, usually attributed to increased aggregate stability. Other studies found either decreases in infiltration or no effect. Differences in findings seemed to be site specific and were often related to soil texture and chemical properties of the soil. Effects on Plant Germination and Growth Results have varied among studies investigating the role of crusts in plant germination.