Dictionary MAIN PAGE Text & Grap

Bacteria / Benefits - Some of the benefits to trees: Break down organic and inorganic materials - bacteria, fungi, insects, animals; Detoxify harmful substances - bacteria and fungi; Help adjust pH - bacteria and fungi; Convert nitrogen in air to a usable form (fix nitrogen) - bacteria and actinomycetes; Protect roots against pathogens - bacteria, fungi, (mycorrhizae); Regulate slow-release fertilizers - bacteria; Resist decay - anaerobic bacteria (wetwood), non-decay causing fungi (discolored wood); Protection against wound infections by decay-causing fungi - bacteria, nondecay causing fungi. Less than 1% of the fungi and bacteria are harmful to the tree system.