Fungi are a very diverse groups of organisms and can be very beneficial for gardens. Some of its variations can be detrimental but due to their vast diversity, fungi occupy different responsibilities for your garden. Here’s how they can be beneficial for your garden.
Environmental benefits of fungi
Fungi benefits in the environment are huge. Without them, dead plant and animal matter would pile up and decay slowly. Vital for decomposing organic matter, fostering robust plant growth, and sustaining the evolution of animal life, they play an essential role in the ecological cycle.
This diverse group of these organisms can help tackle global challenges. These organisms are interlinked with vegetation helping with the nutrient cycling in the soil. They are major drivers of soil health in most gardens. Some of the benefits of fungi:
- Can help protect the environment of your gardening
- Nutrient Cycling
- Climate regulation in your garden
- Carbon Cycling through the soil
- They can also be used as sustainable materials
![mushroom growing on a tree log fallen in deciduous forest.](https://www.gardenandhome.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/FUNNF.jpeg)
Image Credit: Unsplash
Environmentally friendly fungi
It is known that some fungi can cause infections in animals and plants. Many types of fungi provide good benefits.
- Mycorrhizae: This type of fungi is important for plant growth. They take nutrients from plants but also provide water and nutrients to the roots of the plants.
- Saprophytes: These fungi break organic matter down to create rich soil for plants to thrive. They are known as the fungi that recycle nutrients.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms provide nutrients and health benefits, not only to plants but to humans as well.
- Yeast: The fungus used to make alcohol is very beneficial for your plant production.
![The trunk of the tree was completely overgrown with small poisonous mushrooms that filled the entire area of the bark.](https://www.gardenandhome.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Saprophytes-.jpeg)
Image Credit: Pexels
Using fungi can be a good way to help with soil management and be essential for the ecosystem in your garden. So the next time you have fungi growing in your garden landscape usually in moist, shadier areas, let them be.
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Feature Image: Pexels