MYCORRHIZAE Don’t Treat Soil Like Dirt Presenter Wendy Jansen

What is Mycorrhizae Both Fungus and Roots Root and Fungus Tissue Non woody structures 90% of all plants Outer fruiting bodies Symbiotic Relationship

Symbiotic association  The plant provides the fungus with sources of carbon.  In return, the fungus provides the plant with elements and water Mutual exchange

1.Ectotrophic mycorrhizal symbiosis: Fungal mycorrhizal mycelium densely grows around the absorbing roots. 2. Endotrophic mycorrhizal symbiosis: Mycorrhizal hyphae are able to colonise the cortical cells. Ectomycorrhiaze and Endomycorrhizae www: ag.arizona.edu

1 We have an achlorophyllous plant using a parasitic fungus as its source of carbon. 2 Mushrooms that have arisen from a mycorrhizal fungus. 3. Buried fruiting bodies of a mycorrhizal, truffle-like fungus 4 Growing in the shade but it is connected to two mature plants by a mycorrhizal mycelia. 5. The mycelium of mycorrhizae has formed corticioid fruiting bodies on fallen twigs and mosses Mycorrhizae at work

Mycorrhizal benefits Effective rooting Improve soil structure Block out harmful pathogens Decrease drought stress Tolerance of extremes Improved transplant survival Supply nutrients and water to the plant

The mycorrhizae miracle  Abilities to produce antibiotics that retard soil pathogens.  Protecting plants from drought.  Producing enzymes that facilitate mineral uptake such as phosphorous and iron.  Access organic forms of nitrogen. Mycorrhizal diversity Bio-organics.com

We treat soil like dirt Disturbance to soils Human activity Fertilisers Chemicals Pesticides Human activity Effects on our environment Decrease micro organisms Heavy metal accumulation High levels of run off ErosionCompactionSalinity Loss of Soil structure Increase pests Increase disease

We need to nurture our living soil  “Studies have documented that in highly disturbed environments, plants have not formed mycorrhizal relationships even many years after planting.” Dr Mike Amaranthus

Natural undisturbed areas  Teeming with a wide variety of mycorrhizae  Reach tremendous productivity without fertilisers, pesticides and irrigation. Amazon Photo By Leslie Taylor

What we can do?  In depleted soils, the soil must be repopulated with mycorrhizae.  But how?

Borrowing from natures template Soil inoculants that include various species of mycorrhizae are grown commercially and available for purchase. The inoculum can introduced to plants during nursery production or applied to the soil. Mycorrhizal fungus inoculation is not required if appropriate fungi are already present. Landscape inoculant Bio-organics.com

Fertiliser dependant plants  The Fungi is not an ‘add on’ to a fertiliser routine.  Grower Objective is to cut back on fertilisers. Microbes will look after plants Mycorrhizoshpere

All the organisms that a plant requires are present and functioning. Nutrients in the soil are in the proper forms so the plant can absorb them. The correct ratio of fungi to bacteria is present ensuring soil pH and soil structure. What makes a healthy soil food web?

Rhizosphere remediation  Mulch mulch mulch  Apply compost  Plant green manures  Plant variety  No dig gardens  Use Biochar as a carrier medium  And more mulch Re – establish mycorrhizae in degraded Soil and.html

References: Achieve the benefits accessed 26/07/12 Borrowing from Natures Template Disadvantages accessed 26/07/12 Ecto and Endo Mycorrhizae 05/08/12 Mycorrhizae benefits Mycorrhizae Miracle accessed 01/08/12 Mycorrhizae at Work accessed 02/08/12 Soil Food Web accessed 29/07/12 Symbiotic Association ggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/faculty/davies/students/alarcon/index1.htmlggiehorticulture.tamu.edu/faculty/davies/students/alarcon/index1.html accessed 29/07/12 Rhizosphere Remediation accessed 04/08/12 We Treat Soil Like Dirt accessed 28/07/12 What can we do? accessed 29/07/12 What is Mycorrhiaze? Shigo A Touch Trees. New Hampshire