The seemingly magical properties of mycorrhizal fungi (aka ‘Mycorrhizae’) are already fairly well known to soil growers. This special “root fungus” forms a mutualistic relationship with the roots of many plants, allowing them to access more water and nutrients. Mycorrhizae effectively extend the reach of the roots by forming a mycelial network that is able to extract tightly bonded water and nutrients (particularly phosphorus and iron) and translocate them back to the plant. The plant, in turn, feeds the root fungus with carbohydrates. Everybody’s happy – it’s mutual after all!
