Would bark fines improve raised bed?

[Gardenkeep]

Originally Posted by Keiththibodeaux

Worms are but a small part of the symphony of the soil.

Wrong!!! Worms and microbes have different diets. They're different families, they go to segregated buffets (of course you knew that) Pound for pound worms will process tonnage , I mean they will move and do move planet earth.
Have fun thinkin' about that concept.

[dice]

There is also the question of root-knot nematodes. Trees, shrubs, and
perennials that are part of a permanent landscape installation are not
likely to have problems with nematodes, even if they are normally present
in local soils, but most tomato cultivars and many other vegetables do
not have any resistance to nematode root damage. High levels of organic
matter make life difficult for the nematodes, and so one would need to
adjust "optimum" levels of organic matter in garden soil upward in areas
where root-knot nematodes are found in the native soil.

Bark may add organic matter, but it is not high in nutrients, so you are
not likely to get nutrient overload mixing it into a raised bed. I would not
really expect it from adding generous amounts of compost, either,
especially if it is added as mulch on top of the soil. If adding nutrient rich
manures, on the other hand, a soil test first can help prevent problems
that result from nutrients accumulating in the soil in excess of what
the plants use each year.