Mycorrhizal fungi play a critical role in plant nutrition. Since they are unseen, they are frequently neglected when it comes to deciding on a cause for decline in a specific plane. Two primary classes of mycorrhizae are endomycorrhiza and ectomycorrhiza. Here are some benefits of mycorrhizal fungi.
Enhanced Nutrient Uptake
Mycorrhizae act like root supplements to the plant from the mycelial network. Also, it increases the surface area that aids in water and nutrient absorption, especially phosphorous, nitrogen, potassium, and micronutrients. Thus, crop establishment is boosted, plants strengthen, and they remain healthy over time.
Improved Soil Structure and Fertility
Mycorrhizae are the most important elements in soil aggregation and structure. They produce a glycoprotein called glomulin that helps with particles sticking together. This favorably affects the soil properties from porosity and aeration to water infiltration, which boosts the root growth of plants and minimizes soil erosion. A mycorrhizal fungus bestows soil and plant health with increased nutrient availability and cycling.
Enhanced Stress Tolerance
Mycorrhizal associations not only facilitate the general plant nutrient uptake but also help to enhance the plant’s resistance to various environmental stresses. Therefore, fungus helps the plant take up water and nutrients, effectively handling drought periods and insufficient nutrient conditions.
Environmental Benefits
Mycorrhizae ensure the normal functioning of an ecosystem by increasing the agricultural plant’s productivity and biomass. They stimulate nutrient-recycling and carbon-sequestering in the soils, thus playing a role in climate change reduction.
Contact Groundwork BioAg for more information about the benefits of mycorrhizal fungi.
