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   I have taught a few classes on soil health and I always mention mycorrhizal fungi—this group of fungi affiliates with approximately 90% of all terrestrial plants on the planet. So you ask, why do I care about this root fungus that coexists with most of the plants on Earth?

   Millions of years ago when life moved from the oceans to land, the landscape was bare and hostile. Plants were figuring out a new environment and it was do or die. Nature always seems to find a way, and with plants, it was this group of fungi that began to grow into or around the root systems of plants. They came to a wonderful agreement that if the plant feeds the fungus, the fungus will go out into the soil system and gather nutrients and water, glue the soil particles together with a sticky substance called glomalin, create an electro-chemical network so plants can communicate, and help the plant defend against disease and other creatures that may harm them. This symbiotic relationship has lasted for millennia and continues today.

   Are all mycorrhizal fungi the same? The largest group is called Endo or Arbuscular mycorrhizae. This group could be found in your garden, lawn, pastures, landscapes, and forests. The Brassica family of vegetables does not affiliate with any mycorrhizal groups (it is independent). The Endo mycorrhizae affiliate with 80% of the plants on Earth. Another group is called Ectomycorrhizae, making up approximately 10% of the plants. This encompasses the woody species such as Oak, Pine, and hazelnut. When planting a garden or creating landscapes, adding these amazing fungi to the root systems may be a good idea to give the plants an added advantage. Diverse biology in the soil is what gives it life and mycorrhizae plays a big role in healthy soil systems. If you want more information, please contact Jim Etzel at 218-252-3258 or www.earthisourhome.net.

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