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What if …. We changed how we grow our food?
 “In times of change learners inherit the earth while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to work in a world that no longer exists.”   Eric Hofer Author
 Here is what we are learning.  The fact is the rate of increase in food production has slowed drastically in [...]


A.  Automobiles     
B.   iPod    
C.  Cell Phones  
D. Computer   
E.  Mycorrhizal Fungi      
If you picked E. then you got it right.  In today’s modern world we may find it difficult to live without our cell phones I-pods, computers, and automobiles.  While these material goods often seem indispensable; it is clean air, clean water, and nutritious [...]


The decision to inoculate your plants with mycorrhizae often comes down to cost, so there are many things to consider. In general, it is most cost effective time to inoculate is very young plants where the average cost can be less than a penny per plant. Larger plants require more inoculum so costs are proportionately [...]


An old African proverb says, “If you want to go quickly, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”
When it comes to how we treat soil…We need to go far and quickly.
The Mycorrhizal Applications website is about tools to improve rather than degrade soils. It is about working with rather than working against [...]


The Latest and Best from Dr. Mike…
In our continued quest to keep you informed of the latest breaking science and industry news, we have added this area for Dr.Mike to post  periodical updates in … stay tuned!
The Top 5 Most Recent Posts, regardless of industry, can be find right on the Home Page under “Dr. [...]

Helping your plants grow better – naturally!

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.

Click here to watch an animated 35 Sec. video clip of How Mycorrhizae Work and How They Attach to Roots. 

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 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, certain pesticides, 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 and at a reduced cost.

Click this link to watch a 1 Min. video clip of Dr.Mike explaining How Mycorrhizae are Lost from Soils. You can also click the following link to watch an additional 2 minute video of Dr.Mike explaining How to Re-establish Mycorrhizal Fungi.