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April 2019 13
The Power of Fungi
By Stefano Pinna, Poultney beneficial fungi that With Without products are now avail-
Mettowee Natural Resources work as extensions Mycorrhizal Fungi Mycorrhizal Fungi able on the market and
Conservation District of plant roots. They can be either sprayed as
colonize the outer mycorrhized roots. Moreover, tilled or minimum tilled soils, water mixes or added
When seated on layer of the root, form- mycorrhizae infiltrate a large but they suffer with deeper to the seeds as a pow-
top of our tractor, ing a shrub-shaped volume of soil and allow tillage because it disrupts der. Research shows
we often aren’t structure and extend plant roots to adsorb phos- the network of connections, that most of these
thinking about what’s their small tentacles, phorus located far away from breaking them apart and dis- products can be effec-
underneath our wheels. named hyphae, to them. Some research has persing hyphae and fungus in tive in increasing phos-
Farmers have an intricate reach nutrients in the found that mycorrhizal roots the soil profile. Mycorrhizae phorus uptake, espe-
understanding of when it’s soil. Through this part- were able to intercept phos- take great advantage of cially on soils where
a good time for tilling, how nership or symbiosis, phorus placed almost one manure applications and P fertilizers have been
the soil should feel when it’s plants can trade some foot away. every other amendment that applied at low rate.
time to plow, disk, or pass of their carbon (5-20%) improves soil.
with a chisel, but may not with nutrients col- Eighty percent of com- Could these mycor-
be as concerned with the lected by the fungi (like mercial crops can establish a Mycorrhizae are used rhizae be an added
complicated and intricate nitrogen and phosphorus). symbiotic relationship with commercially today espe- defense to reduce phos-
interaction between fungi, Hyphae are very effective mycorrhizae, the exception cially in vegetable produc- phorus loading to Vermont
bacteria soil microbes, and in enhancing plant nutri- being the Brassicaceae plants tion, but very little research surface water? Potentially, a
the plants we are growing. ent uptake thanks to their such as broccoli and canola. has been conducted on row healthy web of mycorrhizae
diminutive size (4 to 5 times Mycorrhizae thrive on mini- crops such as corn or soy- could unlock some of the
Assemblages of fungi, bac- smaller than roots) that mally disturbed soils like no beans. Many commercial phosphorus present in the
teria, and roots are commu- allows them to reach small soil in unavailable forms
nicating, a little bit like our pores and trapped nutrients, (99% of all P in the soil is
phones and computers do, their ability to explore soil unavailable for immedi-
transmitting chemical signals (up to 330 feet of hyphae ate plant uptake) reducing
one to the other, exchanging per 0.06 sq inch), and store needed phosphorus applica-
and trading minerals, nutri- soil nutrients in sack-like tions, with positive conse-
ents, and organic compounds. structures for later use. quences for the environment
and reduced fertilizer costs
Among these microscopic Mycorrhized roots have an for farmers. References for
creatures, mycorrhizae have affinity for phosphorus and this article include (Fleming,
proven to be one the most can absorb it almost twice 2014), (Bolan,1991) and
interesting for agricultural as fast compared to non- (Hattingh, 1973).
production. Mycorrhizae are
Vegetable & Berry News 2019initialcertwhiteriverjct by Northeast SARE) want to Growers’ Handbook, or a gift 1% interest payments only
continued from page 12 Register for Burlington at: learn more about the practic- certificate for free high tun- during that time, and a fixed
es you use and the challenges nel soil tests. 2% interest plus principal
BEFORE the review to have https://www.regonline.com/ you face in your high tunnels. payment thereafter. These
all the knowledge necessary 2019initialcertburlington Your responses will inform Low Interest Loans, funds are intended to sup-
to pass the exam. Manuals research and outreach pro- With Free Business port farms, food producers,
cost $41 and, with the Questions? Or to request grams for improving nutri- Start-Up Advice and forest products business-
required inserts (pdf down- a disability-related accom- ent and pest management es in start-up or early stage
loads) must be obtained in modation to participate in in high tunnels. The short Vermont Community of operations with demon-
advance from the Vermont this program, contact Sarah survey is at: https://unh. Loan Fund is pleased to strated or projected growth.
Agency of Agriculture, Food Kingsley-Richards at (802) az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ announce the availability This program also provides
& Markets at https://bit. 656-0475 or sarah.kingsley@ SV_0TmQgBOHqNP4M05 of flexible, low cost financ- business development and
ly/2QvR7MT uvm.edu ing for qualified agricul- advisory services at no cost.
After filling out the sur- tural borrowers through the Contact: Bonnie Smoren,
Registration fee is High Tunnel Survey vey you’ll be able to enter a SPROUT program, which Vermont Community Loan
$30; after April 9, Late to Guide Research raffle to win: Free registra- provides up to $60,000 Fund, bonnie@vclf.org or
Registration is $40. tion to our next High Tunnel with a term of up to six (802) 224-9141.
Researchers managing the Conference, a copy of The years. Principal payments are
Register for WRJ at: project “Improving nutrient Greenhouse and Hoophouse deferred for two years, with
https://www.regonline.com/ and pest management in high
tunnel production” (funded
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