1. MYCORRHIZAE Don’t Treat Soil Like Dirt Presenter Wendy Jansen www.mycorrhiza.com

2. What is Mycorrhizae Both Fungus and Roots Root and Fungus Tissue Non woody structures 90% of all plants Outer fruiting bodies Symbiotic Relationship http://www.gribscov.dk

3. Symbiotic association  The plant provides the fungus with sources of carbon.  In return, the fungus provides the plant with elements and water Mutual exchange www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/mycorrhiza.html

4. 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

5. 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 www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/mycorrhiza.html

6. 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 www.mycorrhizas.info/roles.html#B1

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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 www.y:appliedturf.com

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

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

12. 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

13. 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 www.mycorrhiza.eu/e/home-e

14. 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? www.soilfoodweb.com

15. 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 www.eatlivegrowpaleo.com/2012/06/square-foot-gardening-mulching- and.html

16. References: Achieve the benefits www.mycorrhizae.com/www.mycorrhizae.com/ accessed 26/07/12 Borrowing from Natures Template Disadvantages www.BioOrganics.comwww.BioOrganics.com accessed 26/07/12 Ecto and Endo Mycorrhizae http://mycorrhizas.info/roles.html#B1http://mycorrhizas.info/roles.html#B1 05/08/12 Mycorrhizae benefits Mycorrhizae Miracle http://www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/mycorrhiza.htmlhttp://www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/mycorrhiza.html accessed 01/08/12 Mycorrhizae at Work http://mycorrhizas.info/roles.html#B1http://mycorrhizas.info/roles.html#B1 accessed 02/08/12 Soil Food Web http://www.soilfoodweb.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&Itemid=54http://www.soilfoodweb.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&Itemid=54 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 http://www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/mycorrhiza.htmhttp://www.anbg.gov.au/fungi/mycorrhiza.htm accessed 04/08/12 We Treat Soil Like Dirt http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/newsdetail.cfm?NewsID=26725http://web.extension.illinois.edu/state/newsdetail.cfm?NewsID=26725 accessed 28/07/12 What can we do? http://mycorrhizas.info/vam.html#S7http://mycorrhizas.info/vam.html#S7 accessed 29/07/12 What is Mycorrhiaze? Shigo A. 1991. Touch Trees. New Hampshire