1. Understanding Mycorrhizal Fungi
2. The Role of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Organic Crop Production
3. Enhancing the Presence of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Soil

The Role of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Organic Crop Production

Organic farming is a method of crop and livestock production that involves much more than choosing not to use pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms, antibiotics, and growth hormones. It is a holistic system designed to optimize the productivity and fitness of diverse communities within the agro-ecosystem, including soil organisms, plants, livestock, and people. One of the key players in this holistic system is the mycorrhizal fungi, a type of beneficial fungi that forms a symbiotic relationship with plants, playing a crucial role in organic crop production.

Understanding Mycorrhizal Fungi

Mycorrhizal fungi are a group of fungi that have developed a symbiotic relationship with the roots of most plant species. This relationship is mutually beneficial. The fungi colonize the root system of a host plant, providing increased water and nutrient absorption capabilities while the plant provides the fungus with carbohydrates derived from photosynthesis.

There are two main types of mycorrhizal fungi: ectomycorrhizal (EM) and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM). EM fungi form a sheath around the root tips of the host plant, while AM fungi penetrate the root cells. Both types aid in nutrient uptake, but they associate with different types of plants and have different ecological roles.

Mycorrhizal fungi play a crucial role in soil fertility and plant nutrient uptake. They can increase the surface absorbing area of roots 100 to a 1,000 times, thereby greatly improving the ability of the plant to access soil resources. Several miles of fungal filaments can be present in less than a thimbleful of soil. Mycorrhizal fungi increase nutrient uptake not only by increasing the surface absorbing area of the roots, but also release powerful enzymes into the soil that dissolve hard-to-capture nutrients, such as organic nitrogen, phosphorus, iron and other "tightly bound" soil nutrients.

The Role of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Organic Crop Production

In organic farming, the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides is prohibited. This makes the role of mycorrhizal fungi even more important as they can help to naturally improve soil fertility and plant health. By forming a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, mycorrhizal fungi can help plants to access nutrients and water that would otherwise be unavailable to them.

Furthermore, mycorrhizal fungi can help to improve soil structure. They produce a sticky substance called glomalin which helps to bind soil particles together, creating a better soil structure for plant roots to grow in. This can help to improve soil water holding capacity and reduce soil erosion.

Another important role of mycorrhizal fungi in organic farming is their ability to suppress plant diseases. They do this by outcompeting pathogenic fungi and bacteria for resources and space, as well as by enhancing the plant's own immune system.

Enhancing the Presence of Mycorrhizal Fungi in Soil

While mycorrhizal fungi naturally occur in soil, their presence can be diminished by certain agricultural practices such as tillage, the use of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, and monoculture cropping systems. Therefore, it is important for organic farmers to implement practices that enhance the presence of these beneficial fungi in the soil.

One way to do this is by using cover crops. Cover crops can provide a continuous supply of organic matter to the soil, which is beneficial for mycorrhizal fungi. Additionally, certain cover crops such as legumes can form a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi, further enhancing their presence in the soil.

Another way to enhance the presence of mycorrhizal fungi is by reducing tillage. Tillage can disrupt the fungal networks in the soil, reducing their ability to form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots. By reducing tillage, farmers can help to preserve these beneficial fungal networks.

In conclusion, mycorrhizal fungi play a crucial role in organic crop production. They help to improve soil fertility, plant health, and soil structure, while also suppressing plant diseases. By implementing practices that enhance the presence of these beneficial fungi in the soil, organic farmers can further improve the productivity and sustainability of their farming systems.