Do development stages of biological soil crusts determine activity and functional diversity in a sand-dune ecosystem?

► Chlorophyll a, organic carbon content and fungal CFU increased with crust development. ► High microbial CO2 evolution rate & biomass were recorded in late-successional crusts. ► Utilization rate of carbon groups exhibited carboxylic > amino > carbohydrate & aromatic. ► No significant distinction in functional diversity was found between different crusts.