Mycorrhiza, Biodiversity, and Toxins in the Our LandscapeGoogle Search defines mycorrhiza as "a fungus that grows in association with the roots of a plant in a symbiotic relationship or a mildly pathogenic relationship." The hyphae (the part of a fungus that are similar to a plant's roots) connect with plant roots to help extend their ability to find water and nutrients in the soil. Often times, in exchange, the plant will give the fungus some nutrients that the plant has made in return. Some of these mycorrhizal fungus have fruiting bodies - what we know as mushrooms - that grow at or near the base of the plants they harmonize with. There are also many species of fungus that also help plants indirectly by breaking down organic matter for the plants to use. Seeing them in your garden is a great sign of biodiversity! Here is a great guide to some of our local mycorrhizal and decomposing mushrooms.
Having high biodiversity means there are many different organisms inhabiting a certain area or habitat (like your yard or garden). Certain organisms support one another in the food web. For example pollinators like bees will spread pollen for plants enabling the plants to produce fertile seeds to reproduce in exchange for their nectar that the bees use as food. Different fungi (mushrooms) help plants gather and distribute nutrients. They also break down organic matter that adds nutrients to soils, also benefiting plants. Plants that have access to more nutrients have a better immune system to help keep out invading parasitic fungus and bacteria. Carnivorous animals (certain soil nematodes, beetles, spiders, snakes, and even skunks) that live in and around the garden will help by eating insects that prey on our flowers, vegetable crops, and fruit trees. Garden biodiversity in your yard is always a good thing! (See monarchs). Toxins are added to many products that we are exposed to. Unfortunately, many commercially manged landscapes and gardens use pesticides, which contain toxins that can affect our friends, family, pets, and wildlife in a negative way. Lawn fertilizers often have toxins that kill weeds and insects (like bees and butterflies!) or even our beneficial fungus! You need to read labels thoroughly and ask questions when you are planning your landscape and garden. Mother Nature knows best in most cases of biodiversity. Please do not purchase commercial mycorrhiza mixes - these may contain foreign fungal mixes that are not native to our area. In a newly planted garden or landscape you do not need to add mycorrhizal spores - they should simply fly in on the wind from neighboring forest and garden communities. I have seen some fun mushrooms grow in the garden using different types of mulch (especially leaf mulch). Local pine needles and fallen leaves often have spores from forest fungus which can be especially good for your landscape. We are here to help you research make the decisions that ultimately lead to a biodiverse ecosystem around your home. We hope to work with you soon to plan a beautiful, safe, and fruitful garden! |
Cadreact Garden & Landscaping. Erika Cadreact. 603-667-3312. [email protected]. PO Box 313 Pike NH 03780