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| Image by adege from Pixabay |
Mycorrhizal or Mycorrhizal is a type of fungus that resides in the soil and looks like fine thread tissue. The name Mycorrhizal itself comes from the Greek language, consisting of the word "fungus" or "fungus" and "rhiza" meaning "root."
This fungus
produces mycelia, which is a filament or fine fibers that interact with each
other as a link between the plant roots. At the same time, mycorrhizal fungi
are an extension of the root system of the plant. So it is possible to reach
and absorb macro and micro nutrients that are stored deep in the soil.
As mycorrhizal
population decreases, certain problems arise. Sadly, conventional farming
practices such as soil plowing, the use of high-dose synthetic chemical
fertilizers, and chemicals such as fungicides, herbicides, and pesticides are
very harmful for mycorrhizal fungi where the amount in the soil tends to
decrease.
It is not
uncommon for us to find agricultural land with rapidly drying surface
conditions. Also if the soil's texture has been excavated, the interior is very
hard, not hollow. However, while the dose of the use of synthetic chemical
fertilizers continues to increase, the plants ' efficiency has not
significantly changed.
Agricultural land
that continues to decline productivity can result in plants not growing
properly, making it more susceptible to disease. Not to mention that many weeds
or pathogens have been resistant to pesticides and insecticides, which in conventional
agriculture can lead to a greater risk of crop failure.
How can mycorrhizal fungi be restored and preserved in the soil?
Using heavy
equipment, mycorrhizal fungi can grow well in land that hasn't had a lot of
soil processing activities. Examples such as rain forests that were not touched
by humans. Although there are no tillage activities like plowing or turning
over the soil, the more fertile the soil conditions are.
Well, that's
where the position of mycorrhizal fungi and other microorganisms are very well
positioned to sustain and cultivate the soil in harmony. Mycorrhizae and
microorganisms can support compost organic material processes and attach soil
particles to increase porosity.
Many steps that can be taken to better involve mycorrhizae;
- Reduce or turn the soil every season of planting
- The routine rotation of crops
- Large quantities of organic fertilizer made from fermented animal manure as well as crop residues
- Provision of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus biofertilizer in growing media for vegetables or fruit nursery
- Using mulch from plant debris such as rice straw to cover the soil surface
- Stop the use of herbicides, fungicides, pesticides and insecticides
- Reduce the dosage of plant synthetic fertilizer
- Do not continue to grow mustard or vegetables from the Brassica family
The role of mycorrhizal fungi as a tool for pest prevention and plant disease prevention
Plants connected
to the mycorrhizal fungal filament network will be able to activate chemical
compounds when pests or diseases pose a threat. Only a group of plants that are
symbiotic with mycorrhizal fungi owns the defense mechanism.
This is separate
from less fertile soil, which contains a small mycorrhizal fungus. Plants
living in these soils are not able to activate mechanisms for self-defense. Thus
in the case of the use of chemical medicines, human assistance was needed to
control the attack of pests and diseases.
Mycorrhizal fungus profits as a food source
Plants also need
minerals in the form of macro and micro nutrients during their lifespan.
Starting with NPK, calcium, boron, zinc and iron. These nutrients are still
very much contained in the soil. Only a small percentage is absorbed, however,
and plant roots may absorb it.
Most of the
others are bound to soil minerals and are locked so that plant roots can not
use them.
Through its long
thin filaments and hygiene, mycorrhizal fungi can reshape the macro nutrients
that are bound to the soil to allow plants to absorb them.
Rather,
mycorrhizal fungi obtain nutrients provided by plants in the form of
carbohydrates or sugar by 10-30 percent.
