2. Bacterial vs Fungal Grass – usually bacterially dominated soil
Forest – fungally dominated
Ideal orchard soil = fungal dominance 10 x higher than bacteria – a ratio that defines forest-edge ecology

3. Shifting the ratio
Bacteria utilize simple organic compounds like root secretions and fresh plant residue
Fungi respond best to surface decomposition while bacteria prefer soil disturbance.
Fungi use more complex compounds like cellulose, lignins and soil humus.
Bulky organic material as mulch –build soil from top down as does nature

4. Amazing Mycorrhizae! Symbiotic relationship with roots
Over 90% of plants form relationship
Absorptive area of roots massively increased
Nutrients can be transported up to 40m
C-rich sugars traded with nutrients and water
Produce glomalin (gives soil it’s tilth), growth factors and anti-biotics
Can even protect root from pests
Trees linked to other trees & plants

5. Mycorrizal fungus on root

6. Mycorriza on root hair

7. Root-eating nematode captured by fungal hyphae!!!