Bryophytes play important ecological, economic, and medicinal roles. Ecologically, they help form peat, provide seed beds and shelter for animals, recycle nutrients, indicate soil pH and acid rain levels, and conserve soil. Economically, bryophytes are used as fuel, horticultural additives, construction materials, household items, and in fiber, moss, and pharmaceutical industries. Medicinally, bryophytes are used to treat skin diseases, respiratory illnesses, wounds, and as herbal medicines.