|
BENEFITS OF SOIL FUNGI
Fungi that colonize the root
zones of plants and surrounding soil can be beneficial for plant growth. As the
fungi enlarge and weave through the root zones, they send threads, far from the
roots, to colonize the soil and produce water stable aggregates that link up as
macro-aggregates. This
maximizes the percolation of moisture and air into the root
zones, improves soil structure and promotes subsurface plant growth. Once
colonization has occurred, the fungi suck up nutrients that, in effect, improve
the nutritional status of the plant and boost its ability to resist stresses
from drought and disease, as well as pests.
Inoculating
seed with beneficial microbes i.e. CB-QGG,
prior to planting, promotes the establishment of fungi
in the root zone. The benefits associated with this process include
enhanced rooting and soil stabilization, reduced shock, and the
establishment of symbiotic relationships with the plant and other
beneficial microbes including nitrogen
fixing microbes and phosphate solubilizing microbes that can dissolve
phosphorus and make it available for plant uptake.
When seed inoculation is not possible, beneficial microbes i.e.
CB-RSG can be
applied after planting. For example, in established orchards, vineyards,
plantations etc. where seed inoculation is impossible, beneficial
microbial combinations, including fungi, can be injected into the root
zones.
Fungi do however have limitations, including variations in plant
response and the correct species of fungi must be used.
It is however important to understand that the use of synthetic
chemicals and pesticides can adversely affect the soil microbial balance
and cause the benefits associated with fungi and other microbes to be
lost. Tillage, that disturbs the plant roots, can also have an adverse
effect on soil fungi.
|
.gif)
