Mycorrhizae Fungi

What is Mycorrhizae?

Mycorrhizae (my-cor-rhi-zae) is a beneficial fungus that forms a symbiotic relationship with plant roots.  More than 90 percent of plant species in natural areas form a symbiotic relationship with the beneficial mycorrhizal fungi. Several miles of fungal filaments can be present in less than a thimbleful of soil.

Why Mycorrhizae is a plant's best friend

The fungi work in a symbiotic relationship with the plant root. The fungi receives sugar from the root. In exchange, it absorbs and sends soil nutrients and water back for the plant. When those nutrients and water are depleted, the fungi simply reaches further into the soil for more.

Mycorrhizal fungi increase the root system several hundred to several thousand times. So instead of having only 20-30 percent of your fertilizer utilized, you can have 80-90 percent of it utilized. They also promote root health, store carbon in soil, and glue soil particles together into a healthful porous structure.

To meet demand, our food and fiber production will have to increase. It is critical to get more nutrients and water to more plants than ever before. Mycorrhizal fungi increase nutrient uptake not only by increasing the surface absorbing area of the roots, but also by releasing powerful enzymes into the soil that dissolve hard-to-capture nutrients, such as organic nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and other “tightly bound” soil nutrients.  Mycorrhizal fungi form an intricate web that captures and assimilates nutrients, conserving the nutrient capital in soils.

How to apply Mycorrhizae to your plants

It is most important for the roots to be in contact with the mycorrhizae

Turf: Apply with water ½ cup to 900 sq. ft.
Transplants: Coat roots with 1 tsp.-1 tbsp. per plant
Watering-In: 1.5 tbsp. per gallon of water, mix well and keep agitated while watering.
Seed Innoculant: Roll seeds in powder before planting

For commercial application rates click here