By Paula Henson
What is more effective than roots in absorbing nutrients and water? What has occurred naturally in the soil for over 450 millions years? What is the biggest symbiotic association on Earth?
You probably can’t spell it and you might not know how to say it, but plant and soil enthusiasts are finding that mycorrhizae fungi just might be the best thing since sliced bread…well, okay, maybe if you’re really into soil.
*For the uninitiated, here is how it’s pronounced. And some etymology: “myco” (fungus) and “rhiza” (roots)
Mycorrhizal fungi exist in most soils. Mycelia (fungal roots) work with plant roots through symbiosis giving plants greater access to nutrients in the soil. The plants provide organic compounds needed by the fungi. The discovery of this incredible network has proved to be a great way to work with native resources for the benefit of plants.
Mycelial networks convey useful chemical information. (In case you need another spelling/pronunciation challenge, this process is called allelopathy.) This communication can provide information such as “look out, there’s a parasite nearby”.
The mass of mycorrhizal fungi on the planet is estimated to be 1.4 to 4 tons per person. Yes, that’s right: PER PERSON. Let that sink in (pardon the pun).
Gardeners have been adding mycorrhizae or inoculating (deliberately introducing beneficial soil fungi directly to the roots and to the surrounding soil when planting trees) their soils for years but the word is getting out. Are we listening?
About the Author: Paula Henson is an Award-winning landscape designer who started Terra Bella Landscape Design in 1998. A Los Angeles native, she enjoys the unique opportunity to create something that is constantly evolving. The 2007 Los Angeles Garden Show featured one of her designs and she received the “Best Use of Recycled Materials” award for excellence in the 2007 Showcase at Greystone Mansion in Beverly Hills.
She has been featured on HGTV’s Landscaper’s Challenge, has appeared in several award-winning educational DVD programs and served as Vice President of the Board of Governors for the Los Angeles County Commission on Arboreta and Botanic Gardens. She has been a certified Landscape Professional for the city of Santa Monica Sustainable Landscape Program and is currently on the Board of the Greater Los Angeles district of the APLD. Most recently she has been concentrating on water conservation education and rainwater harvesting system.
