What Are the Economic Importance of Mosses and Ferns?
Mosses and ferns are economically important because they may be grown and sold as food for other organisms. In addition, peat moss is grown in some parts of the world for use as fuel. Additionally, some people use peat moss and ferns in landscaping and in gardening.
Another importance of the two plants is that they provide shelter for other organisms such as small insects. Since they retain water and humidity in their habitats, mosses and ferns are ecologically important. In addition, they make the soil fertile and control flooding. For these reasons, mosses and ferns are grown commercially.
Another economic use of ferns is the treatment and dressing of wounds. Similarly, manufacturing companies use dried mosses as a packaging material. Farmers add mosses and ferns to their organic fertilizers because they provide important good nutrients for crops such as corn and potatoes. When well taken care of, ferns add an attractive natural beauty to the interior of houses and offices.
The difference between ferns and mosses is that ferns have vessels that conduct water, while mosses do not. Like most other plants, ferns have leaves and stems. However, ferns and mosses do not have flowers or seeds. Scientists describe mosses as the most primitive of all plants that grow on land.
