Mycorrhiza fungi and its importance in relation to climate change

If you are a GardenAdvice MyGardenTeam member you will have heard our gardeners and garden advisors talk about the importance of maintaining good soil conditions to promote and assist your plants in teaming up in a syymbiotic relationship with mycorrhiza fungi

Within mutualistic mycorrhiza, the plant gives carbohydrates (products of photosynthesis) to the fungus, while the fungus gives the plant water and minerals in exchange.

Mycorrhizal fungi are a type of fungi that form symbiotic associations with plant roots. In this association, the fungi provide the plants with nutrients, such as phosphorus and nitrogen, in exchange for carbohydrates produced by the plant through photosynthesis. This mutualistic relationship between the fungi and plants is believed to have evolved over millions of years and is essential for the survival and growth of many plant species.

In relation to climate change, mycorrhizal fungi are important for several reasons. Firstly, they can help to mitigate the effects of climate change on plants by improving their tolerance to drought and other environmental stresses. This is because the fungi can help to increase the plants’ uptake of water and nutrients, which can help to reduce water stress and increase the plants’ resistance to pests and diseases.

Secondly, mycorrhizal fungi can also help to sequester carbon in the soil. As plants absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere during photosynthesis, some of this carbon is transferred to the fungi in exchange for nutrients. The fungi then store this carbon in the soil as organic matter, which can help to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and mitigate climate change.

Finally, mycorrhizal fungi can also help to increase the productivity of agricultural crops and other plants, which can help to reduce the pressure on natural ecosystems and reduce the amount of land required for food production. This can help to reduce deforestation and other forms of land-use change, which are major drivers of greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

In summary, mycorrhizal fungi play a vital role in supporting plant growth, improving their resilience to climate change, and sequestering carbon in the soil. As such, they are an important tool in the fight against climate change and the preservation of natural ecosystems.

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