[compost_tea] Fungal interaction
This is from North Dakota where they are using fungi to enhance soil to gro=
w crops for cattle grazing:
The ability of ectomycorrhizal fungi to improve soil quality results from t=
heir excretion of large amounts of insoluble polysaccharides with adhesive =
qualities. These substances stabilize soil particles and bind them into wat=
er-stable aggregates. An increase in water-stable aggregates increases soil=
pore size and distribution. The changes in soil quality improve soil oxyge=
nation, water infiltration, and root distribution and decrease erodibility.=
The rooting depth of rangeland soils at the location where ectomycorrhizal=
fungi were first discovered increased from 2-3 inches to 18-24 inches afte=
r seven years of management with the twice-over rotation system.
Even crusty old midwest cattle farmers are getting into the act. (No pun i=
ntended.)
Ted Peterson
Earth-Wise/Spirit of the Earth
Received on Mon Dec 22 2003 - 20:58:04 EST
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