Fungal mycorrhizae, the life force behind a healthy garden. In a previous post I was trying to capture the role soil plays in a healthy garden and found myself rambling about compost and worms which are very important but I couldn't quite capture the intricate and wonderful world of the soil. The mycorrhizae, or fungus roots (really hairs not roots) called hyphae or mycelium, are what has a fantastic relationship with the roots of your plants. That relationship is called a symbiotic relationship. A give and take. Some of the sugars the plant roots obtain via photosynthesis get transferred to the mycelium of the fungus and in return the mycelium of the fungus transfer hard to obtain nutrients to the plant roots. Perfect! This symbiotic relationship was the much needed missing piece. Below is a link to an article that does a fabulous job explaining this and is so worth the read. When you get a chance, go out into your garden and do some digging and look for mycorrhizae in your garden soil. And if you can get a hand lens use that to look at these lovely hair structures hiding in your soil a bit more closely and enjoy!
On a little side note I must say that I love how the article starts with the invention of the microscope. Always a wonderful science story.
Article link here: (you'll have to copy and past; sorry the live link option isn't working) http://www.motherearthnews.com/organic-gardening/mycorrhizal-fungi-zm0z14aszkin.aspx#axzz37xFxH0hA
May your mycorrhizae be there and be strong!
Mary
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