Mycorrhizal Fungi

Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with over 95% of plant species. They provide nutrients (particularly phosphorus) and water to the plant in exchange for carbohydrates. In fact, plant will trade as much as 80% of their carbohydrates with these fungi and other microbes. The fungi also greatly improve soil characteristics.

In soil that has recently been tilled/worked, compacted, water logged, or treated with chemicals, mycorrhizal fungi will be lacking. They are not present in imported topsoil or potting soil mix, either, and they cannot be multiplied in compost. In any of these scenarios, they need to be added back to the soil. They are essential to optimum plant health and should always be used whenever planting or seeding. 

There are two main categories of mycorrhizal fungi: Endomycorrhizal fungi form relationships with over 80% of plants (including turf grasses). Ectomycorrhizal fungi form relationships with only about 2% of plants, but some of them are quite common. Here is a list of just some of the plants forming relationships.