Mycorrhiza What Does It Do For Your Bonsai And How Do You Grow It
- Paul Kellum
- Jan 29, 2016
- 3 min read
There a thousands of mycorrhizae types and the same one found in your pine will not grow in your maples but just because the spores are not available to your bonsai does not mean you can inoculate your trees with a blend of mycorrhizae spores. This gives you the highest chances of getting mycorrhizae to grow in all your bonsai pots adding amazing benefits to your trees.
Bonsai Bardo now carry a full line of mycorrhizae Spore Blends from Down To Earth Disp. It can be added to your custom fertilizer blend or added on its own.
What Are Mycorrhizae?
“Mycor” – “rhiza” literally means “fungus” – “root” and defines the mutually beneficial relationship between the plant and root fungus. These specialized fungi colonize plant roots and extend far into the soil. Mycorrhizal fungal filaments in the soil are truly extensions of root systems and are more effective in nutrient and water absorption than the roots themselves. More than 90 percent of plant species in natural areas form a symbiotic relationship with the beneficial mycorrhizal fungi.
Are They Important?
Mycorrhizal fungi 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. This extraction process is particularly important in plant nutrition and explains why non-mycorrhizal plants require high levels of fertility to maintain their health. Mycorrhizal fungi form an intricate web that captures and assimilates nutrients, conserving the nutrient capital in soils.
Do You Need Them?
Undisturbed forest soils are full of beneficial soil organisms including mycorrhizal fungi. Research indicates, however, many common practices can degrade the mycorrhizae-forming potential of soil. Tillage, removal of topsoil, erosion, site preparation, compaction, fumigation, invasion of weeds and leaving soils fallow are some of the activities that can reduce or eliminate these beneficial soil fungi. Scientific studies indicate endo mycorrhizal fungal populations are slow to recolonize, unless there is close access to natural areas that can act as a source of mycorrhizal spores to repopulate the affected area. Reintroducing mycorrhizal fungi in areas where they have been lost can dramatically improve plant performance with less water and fertilizer.
The mycorrhizal products Bonsai Bardo offer contain the most diverse and effective strains of mycorrhizal fungi available anywhere, which colonize plant roots, greatly enhancing the effective surface area of the root system. More than 90 percent of plant species form a symbiotic relationship with these types of beneficial soil fungi, bringing more water and nutrients to the host plant’s roots. By utilizing a robust mix of beneficial soil organisms, plants can survive and thrive the way they naturally evolved. Apply all these products so they come into direct contact with existing or emerging plant roots.
Many Down To Earth™ fertilizers are approved for use in organic crop production. Please note the “OMRI” and “OIM” logos throughout the website. Certified organic operators are encouraged to check with their organic certifying agent to determine if any given product is acceptable before purchase, application and inclusion in their organic farm plan.
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