# Rooted in Nature: The Case for Mycorrhizal Fungi in Commercial Horticulture

- Link: https://rd2.co.nz/mycorrhizal-fungi-in-commercial-horticulture/
- Published: 2025-07-23T00:23:18+00:00
- Author: RSF Admin

Photo source: www.spun.earth

Imagine a single input that’s scientifically proven to enhance soil health and environmental
goals, whilst providing both biotic and abiotic protection, increased fertiliser
efficiency and yields – _Mycorrhizal fungi_ is that input.

The interest in AMF propagation for horticulture is increasing due to their role
in plant nutrition and health, enhancing the quality of vegetables for human nutrition
whilst improving productivity and profitability. [1]  

A powerful biological partner, mycorrhizae combine traits of both N fixing and P
solubilising, indicating big potential as a sole biofertiliser for most crops and
climatic situations. A meta- analysis of 112 experiments showed that both yield 
and plant nutrition were significantly improved by inoculation in 92%. [2]

Modern agriculture has become heavily reliant on synthetic fertilisers, yet much
of what is applied to the soil never reaches the crop. Significant portions of nitrogen
and phosphorus are lost through leaching or runoff — a wasteful, costly cycle with
serious environmental consequences contributing to groundwater contamination of 
freshwater ecosystems. 

In comparison, Mycorrhizal fungi form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots,
extending into a vast underground network of superfine hyphae they explore the soil
beyond the reach of roots. In doing so, they access water and unavailable nutrient
reserves, especially phosphorus through enzyme release — making better use of existing
soil reserves and reducing the need for repeated fertiliser applications. Plants
can acquire as much as 80% of their phosphorus from mycorrhizal fungi.[3]

Plant health and resilience is a major attribute. AMF presence enhances root structure
and helps suppress soil-borne pathogens by occupying physical space, stimulating
microbial competition and improving immune response. In compromised soil, excess
copper, high sodium, root-knot nematode infestations, drought and even replant issues—
mycorrhizal fungi have shown to help mitigate toxicity and support plant tolerance.
By improving root growth, function and nutrient selectivity, these fungi can reduce
the uptake of harmful elements and enhance plant resilience, providing promising
biocontrol.[1,4]

Mycorrhizal fungi are the base of the food web, an ancient support system for much
of life on earth. Playing a vital role in regulating the global carbon cycle, they
are crucial for achieving net-zero emissions, with an estimated 13.12 gigaton of
CO2 transferred from plants to fungi annually. This represents a massive carbon 
pool and the most effective carbon capture storage unit globally. [5] _( )

Nutrients are exchanged for carbon-derived sugars produced by plants which are permanently
transferred into the soil through the Glyco-protein AMF secrete, known as Mineral
Associated Organic Carbon. Healthier root systems and improved soil structure further
support this carbon storage function, offering a biological pathway to climate-resilient
growing systems that work for farmers.

By bridging the gap between traditional ecological processes and modern farming 
systems, the use of Mycorrhizal fungi is backed by science, is crop-specific, and
easy to apply. Reintegrating these symbiotic organisms, growers can adopt more sustainable
practices — reducing input reliance while maintaining yield and quality.    

It’s not about going backwards. It’s about moving forward, with biology on your 
team.

Sources:

1.Baum, [W.El](http://w.el)-Tohamy b, N Gruda – Increasing the productivity and 
product quality of vegetable crops using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi:  A review
[Scientia Horticulturae](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/scientia-horticulturae)
[Volume 187](https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/scientia-horticulturae/vol/187/suppl/C),
13 May 2015
2.Lukas Schütz 1, 2, Andreas Gattinger 2, Matthias Meier 3, Adrian Müller
3, 4, Thomas Boller 1,Paul Mäder 2 and Natarajan Mathimaran1, 2*- Improving Crop
Yield and Nutrient Use Efficiency via Biofertilization –A Global Meta-analysis  
Frontiers in Plant Science 3. Dr Vasilis Kokkoris (Fungal Ecologist) – How to encourage
healthy mycorrhizal networks in your own soil – SPUN4.  X. Bing, Y Shengrui –  Studies
on replant problems of apple and peach – IV International symposium on Replant Problems
5. Heidi-Jayne Hawkins1,2,*, Rachael I.M. Cargill3,4, Michael E. Van Nuland 3,5,
Stephen C. Hagen6, Katie J. Field7, Merlin Sheldrake3,5, Nadejda A. Soudzilovskaia8,
and E. Toby Kiers3,5 – Mycorrhizal mycelium as a global carbon pool – National library
of Medicine , current biology – 2023 Jun 5;33(11):R560-R573. Doi: 10.1016/j.cub.
2023.02.027.