Cryptogamic soil fits into one of nature's neat little plans, the composition of the crust varies by locality, yet, basically, all cryptogamic soil serves the same purpose. The cryptogams form a spongy surface covering which absorbs moisture. In freezing temperatures, the spongy mass uplifts and cracks. The cracks., in turn, hold more moisture. The spongy mass and the cracks provide traps for seeds and stabilize the soil so it will stay in place long enough for seeds to sprout and grow.
Plant communities develop.
A vegetated area results, which, were it not for the cryptogamic soil crust, might very well be barren. You may wonder why you should avoid trampling cryptogamic soil when, indeed, disturbance by frost and uplift aids its purpose. The answer is a fine line between disturbed and destroyed crust, continued trampling would destroy the fragile blanket, while the buckling action of frost merely loosens the surface. As you hike the canyon country, the soil is easy to spot. It nearly blankets the Colorado Plateau.