Beneficial alliance
Mycorrhizal fungi have occurred naturally in the soil for 450 million years. They form a close symbiotic relationship with plant roots. They are called mycorrhizae (from the Greek "mukés", meaning fungus, and "rhiza," meaning roots). However, in most soils that have been disturbed by residential construction, or intensive cropping practices with applications of fertilizers containing pesticides and other chemical products, the mycorrhizae content has considerably diminished, and has become insufficient to significantly enhance plant growth.
When mycorrhizal fungi colonize the plant's root system, they create a network that increases the plant's capacity to absorb more water and nutrients such as phosphorus, copper and zinc. This process in turn enhances growth and favors rapid development of roots and plants.
Mycorrhizae are an excellent way to…
Ensure two times faster establishment
Roots with mycorrhizae spread over the available space more rapidly thanks to their spectacular extension.
Reduce watering needs by 30%
Roots with mycorrhizae have more surface area to absorb water.
Increase survival by 75%
Roots with mycorrhizae have a greater capacity to absorb nutrients from the soil. Therefore, you get plants that are healthier, more vigorous, and more resistant to stress.
Increase phosphorus absorption to the detriment of blue-green algae
Up to 80% of phosphorus absorbed by plants is by mycorrhizae.
Improve soil structure and prevent erosion
The root extension (filaments) provided by mycorrhizae holds soil particles together, which reduces erosion. Furthermore, by improving soil structure mycorrhizae allow better water penetration of about 25% , thus slowing down erosion and stabilizing the soil.
TYPES
There are two main types of mycorrhizae:
Endomycorrhizae associate with 80% of plants.
Most deciduous trees and herbaceous plants
Ectomycorrhizae associate with 5 to 7% of plants.
Most evergreen trees