Mycorrhizal Fungi—A Crucial Part of Gardening Success

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Today, as gardeners reduce their use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, mycorrhizal fungi are making a comeback, strengthening gardens naturally.

Mycorrhizae literally means "fungus-roots," which starts to explain the close mutually beneficial relationship between these specialized soil fungi and plant roots.

About 95% of the earth's land plants need this fungal relationship to thrive in their native habitats.

This fungus is estimated to be responsible for increasing soils' productive capacity 1,000-fold compared to roots alone.

Benefits of Mycorrhizal Fungi

There are many benefits that this fungus provides, including:

• Better nutrient and water uptake
• Better root growth
• Better plant growth and yield
• Better disease resistance
• Less transplant shock
• Less drought stress

The fungi collect nutrients and water from the soil and provide them to the plant roots, in exchange for sugars that they need to live and grow.

They extend long threads called hyphae into the soil. These hyphae transport phosphorus and other nutrients into the plant roots. They also enable plants to use water more efficiently.

The hyphae extend the volume of soil that plant roots can reach by 100-1,000 times, which significantly enhances the plant's ability to obtain nutrients and water from the soil. Miles of fungus filaments might be found in only a teaspoon of soil.

Mycorrhizal fungi also secrete enzymes into the soil, which break down nutrients in unavailable forms, making them available for plant use. This includes organic iron, phosphorus, nitrogen, and other "firmly locked" soil nutrients.

If your plants aren't doing as well as you think they should be, your soils may be deficient in mycorrhizal fungi. You can buy some to add to your soil, which should show a good return on investment with improved plant quality and productivity.

From Mycorrhizal Fungi to Soil Microorganisms