valleyboy
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I just thought I'd throw something together and try to contribute to this place. I figured nearly everyone growing outdoors is using soil, so it seemed fitting to put this in the outdoors section.
Mycorrhizae are very important to plant and soil health. Without mycorrhizae most plants would not survive. Mycorrhizae is a root fungus (Myco-fungus Rhizo-root, Fungus Root) dating to over 400 million years ago, there are many species. The 'Root Fungus' forms a symbiotic 'infection' of the plant's root system. Mycorrhizae take sugars from the host plant's root system in exchange for water, nutrients and minerals. This would seem to be detrimental to the plant's health but the trade off gives the plant more potential for energy than is taken by the fungus. Mycorrhizae will take 5-30% of total photosynthate production from the plant. This fungus has been shown to increase growth 50-500% when compared to soils with a low Mycorrhizal biomass.
There are two basic types of Mycorrhizal fungus, both form small extensions called 'Hyphae'. The two types are Endo-Mycorrhizae and Ecto-Mycorrhizae. Endo-Mycorrhizae penetrates the root cortex (Endo-internal) and forms vesicles for sugar storage. Most of the Endo species do not actually penetrate the cells of the cortex, rather form 'release gates' on the cells for nutrient transportation. The only kinds of Endo-M. that penetrate the cells are Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (AM). AM form extensive networks of 'nutrient pipelines' within the root. Most AM species are of the 'Glomus' genus, look for this when purchasing additives, often abbreviated by 'G.'. Ecto-Mycorrhizae do not penetrate the cortical section of the root (Ecto-external). Ecto-M. is capable of connecting networks of 'infected' roots between many different plants. In this network the fungus is capable of transporting nutrients between plants to help the host(s) thrive.
The Hyphae of both the Endo and Ecto types are much smaller than root tips. Because of this, the fungus is better able to penetrate soil aggregates and release trapped water and nutrients. These hyphae can reach lengths of 15CM or more. The hyphae grow faster than the plant's roots and are capable of faster and more efficient nutrient absorption. Because of these characteristics, Mycorrhizae is able to gather nutrients that would have otherwise been immobile. Mycorrhizae are known for significant increases in phosphorous absorption, among the other macro-nutrients at slightly lower levels.
Mycorrhizal infections have many more benefits aside from increased nutrient intake. Mycorrhizae produce a natural 'anti-biotic' on the root cuticle to help prevent soil-born disease. The fungus has also shown to reduce salinity related stress. Mycorrhizae reduces and limits uptake of heavy metals and other toxic minerals or contaminants that may be within the soil. Some species are even known to fend off nematode infections.
If you haven't got it by now, it is very beneficial to supplement Mycorrhizal mass within the soil. You're plants will thank you, then reward you with healthy, vigorous growth, and a bountiful yield.
Good roots, good shoot.
Sources The Nature and Properties of Soils-Fourteenth Edition (revised) by Nyle C. Bradley & Ray R Weil.
All comments and additions are welcome.
Mycorrhizae are very important to plant and soil health. Without mycorrhizae most plants would not survive. Mycorrhizae is a root fungus (Myco-fungus Rhizo-root, Fungus Root) dating to over 400 million years ago, there are many species. The 'Root Fungus' forms a symbiotic 'infection' of the plant's root system. Mycorrhizae take sugars from the host plant's root system in exchange for water, nutrients and minerals. This would seem to be detrimental to the plant's health but the trade off gives the plant more potential for energy than is taken by the fungus. Mycorrhizae will take 5-30% of total photosynthate production from the plant. This fungus has been shown to increase growth 50-500% when compared to soils with a low Mycorrhizal biomass.
There are two basic types of Mycorrhizal fungus, both form small extensions called 'Hyphae'. The two types are Endo-Mycorrhizae and Ecto-Mycorrhizae. Endo-Mycorrhizae penetrates the root cortex (Endo-internal) and forms vesicles for sugar storage. Most of the Endo species do not actually penetrate the cells of the cortex, rather form 'release gates' on the cells for nutrient transportation. The only kinds of Endo-M. that penetrate the cells are Arbuscular Mycorrhizae (AM). AM form extensive networks of 'nutrient pipelines' within the root. Most AM species are of the 'Glomus' genus, look for this when purchasing additives, often abbreviated by 'G.'. Ecto-Mycorrhizae do not penetrate the cortical section of the root (Ecto-external). Ecto-M. is capable of connecting networks of 'infected' roots between many different plants. In this network the fungus is capable of transporting nutrients between plants to help the host(s) thrive.
The Hyphae of both the Endo and Ecto types are much smaller than root tips. Because of this, the fungus is better able to penetrate soil aggregates and release trapped water and nutrients. These hyphae can reach lengths of 15CM or more. The hyphae grow faster than the plant's roots and are capable of faster and more efficient nutrient absorption. Because of these characteristics, Mycorrhizae is able to gather nutrients that would have otherwise been immobile. Mycorrhizae are known for significant increases in phosphorous absorption, among the other macro-nutrients at slightly lower levels.
Mycorrhizal infections have many more benefits aside from increased nutrient intake. Mycorrhizae produce a natural 'anti-biotic' on the root cuticle to help prevent soil-born disease. The fungus has also shown to reduce salinity related stress. Mycorrhizae reduces and limits uptake of heavy metals and other toxic minerals or contaminants that may be within the soil. Some species are even known to fend off nematode infections.
If you haven't got it by now, it is very beneficial to supplement Mycorrhizal mass within the soil. You're plants will thank you, then reward you with healthy, vigorous growth, and a bountiful yield.
Good roots, good shoot.
Sources The Nature and Properties of Soils-Fourteenth Edition (revised) by Nyle C. Bradley & Ray R Weil.
All comments and additions are welcome.
