Mycorrhizal Fungi: The Secret to Thriving Plants

Bacteria and fungi make up the base of the soil biology pyramid or the soil food web. Without them, larger living organisms, including plants, would not be able to survive, without the need for excessive use of fertilisers. The most commonly known fungi with soil are mycorrhizal. They are familiar to most gardeners and have been on earth for millions of years. The word “mycorrhiza” (singular) comes from the Greek words “myco,” meaning fungus, and “rhiza,” meaning root. This translation of ‘fungus root’ simply depicts the relationship between the two as the fungi live on, or sometimes in the roots of plants.

There are two main types of mycorrhizal fungi: endomycorrhizal fungi and ectomycorrhizal fungi. Endomycorrhizal fungi are the most common type and form a relationship with the roots of most plants, including vegetables, fruits, and flowers. Ectomycorrhizal fungi, on the other hand, form a relationship with the roots of trees and shrubs.

Mycorrhizal is the adjective used to describe the network of fungal filaments that mycorrhiza create with soil. These microscopic threads, called hyphae net together to form a web called mycelium. These nets can stretch for several hundreds of feet, far further than a plant’s roots, to collect water and nutrients, and even connect with other plants to share nutrients. Although Mycorrhiza is microscopic, they regularly produce visible fruiting bodies that we know as mushrooms.

Plants and mycorrhizae work in synergy to support each other, with plants gaining more benefits than the fungi. Neither would be able to fully thrive without the other. When plants photosynthesize, they produce excess sugars, which they pass along their roots to the Mycorrhizae. These sugars act as the food source for the mycorrhizae and keep them alive. In turn, the mycorrhizal network can collect nutrients and water from much deeper and wider in the soil for the plant to consume. They also create some resilience in the plants against diseases and toxins.

Mycorrhizal fungi can be used in the garden to enable plants to thrive by encouraging a strong root system and increasing resilience against pathogens.

Although mycorrhizal exists in soil naturally, the use of commercial, or chemical fertilizers in gardens over the last few decades has led to a reduction as they can kill fungi. To add mycorrhizal fungi back into the garden, use a product such as Root Well. Root Well is a unique blend of mycorrhizal fungi and beneficial bacteria that gives you results like no other. Furthermore, Root Well also unlocks existing nutrients bound up in soil and compost. To use, simply scatter the correct amount around the base of the plant and water in. The best time to do this is during the potting on stage to improve existing root development.