Mycorrhiza are a fungus. They exist as tiny threads called hyphae. The hyphae are all interconnected into a net-like web called a mycelium, which measures hundreds or thousands of kilometers. Mycorrhiza form a mutually beneficial relationship with plant roots. The extensive network of hyphae increases the effective root surface area for nutrient absorption. The mycorrhizal network receives carbohydrates from the plant, while the plant gains increased access to water, minerals, and nutrients from the soil. When combined with organic fertilizers, mycorrhizal associations can significantly increase the nutrient availability for plants while promoting soil health.
Advantages
- Enhanced nutrient accessibility: Mycorrhizal fungi extend the root system, increasing the surface area for nutrient absorption. This complements the nutrient content of organic fertilizers, ensuring plants have access to a broader spectrum of essential elements.
- Improved soil structure: The filamentous structures of mycorrhizal hyphae bind soil particles together, enhancing soil structure. When integrated with organic fertilizers, this promotes better water retention, aeration, and overall soil fertility.
- Reduced nutrient runoff: By facilitating efficient nutrient uptake, mycorrhiza helps minimize nutrient runoff, preventing the loss of valuable organic fertilizers and reducing environmental impact.
- Reduced need for fertilizers: By enhancing nutrient uptake, mycorrhiza can reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers, thereby reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.
- Increased drought tolerance: Mycorrhiza can improve the plant’s ability to tolerate drought by improving water uptake and retention by the plant.
- Disease resistance: The symbiotic relationship between mycorrhizal fungi and plant roots enhances the plant’s natural defense mechanisms, contributing to resistance against soil-borne diseases.
Effectiveness of mycorrhiza
To maximize the effectiveness of mycorrhiza, it’s important to understand the mechanisms of the symbiosis and the factors that can negatively affect the growth of mycorrhiza. Here are some key factors:
- High Phosphorus levels: High phosphorus levels can suppress the development of mycorrhizal associations, leading to a reduced benefit for the plant.
- Excessive fertilizer use: Overuse of chemical fertilizers, especially those high in phosphorus, can hinder the establishment and function of mycorrhizal associations. Plants may rely on readily available nutrients from fertilizers, diminishing the need for the symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi.
- Soil disturbance: Physical disruptions to the soil, such as tilling or extensive excavation, can disrupt the mycorrhizal network.
- Fungicides: Some fungicides, while targeting harmful fungi, can also negatively impact beneficial mycorrhizal fungi. It’s important to use fungicides judiciously to avoid disrupting the delicate balance of the soil microbiome.
- Soil compaction: Compacted soils limit the movement of mycorrhizal hyphae, reducing their ability to form extensive networks and support nutrient absorption. Soil compaction is common in areas with heavy foot traffic or agricultural machinery.
- Imbalanced soil pH: Extreme pH levels, either too acidic or too alkaline, can affect the growth and activity of mycorrhizal fungi. These fungi generally thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions.
Application
MeMon can add living spores of Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) and other types of mycorrhizae to organic fertilizers on demand. This can mainly be beneficial for soils that have a low natural occurrence of mycorrhiza. Mycorrhiza can also be added to potting soils and substrates. The fertilizers need to be incorporated well and should not be mixed with fungicides.
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Visualization of a plant root without a mycorrhizal symbiosis (left) and with a mycorrhizal symbiosis (right)