Stimulating Roots with Mycorrhizae

Written By Lara Wadsworth

The word mycorrhizae literally means “fungus root.” It is the word that describes the symbiotic relationship between fungus and plant roots. This unique occurrence is most prevalent in healthy, well-established soil, such as in forests and undisturbed meadows. However, thanks to products such as MycoRoots by Might Plant, you can foster that relationship in your own field, lawn, or garden as easily as it is to fertilize your plants.

Benefits of Using Root Stimulators

More Roots

One of the biggest benefits of using root stimulators is that it helps your plants to grow more roots. This is especially useful when a plant is trying to establish itself. Whether that be a young plant or a transplanted specimen, adding mycorrhizal fungi can help encourage strong growth and healthy soil activity.

Stronger Roots

Not only does it help to create more roots, it also helps to strengthen the roots. This means that plants are less likely to get uprooted and more likely to withstand a variety of stressors that impact roots. The mycorrhizal fungi increase the surface area of the roots by intertwining themselves. In return, the plant helps to sustain the beneficial fungi as well.

Increased Resistance

Thanks to this complex root system, the plant roots have an increased ability to take up nutrients and water that would otherwise not be bioavailable to the plant. This bolsters the plant’s defenses and improves resistance to diseases, viruses, pests, and climactic stressors. A well-established mycorrhizal system is one of the best things you can do for a plant after providing basic needs such as sunlight and water.

Higher Yields

All of the aforementioned benefits culminate in increasing plant yields. For food-bearing crops, this means more food! For flowering plants, this means more flowers! For all plants, this means more leaves and increased longevity. When plants are able to have strong root systems that have the ability to take up adequate nutrients, they are less likely to die and more likely to thrive up to their highest potential.

How to Use MycoRoots

This water-soluble powder could not be easier to apply. It is used along with a fertilizer. Although, keep in mind that this does not replace a fertilizer but is a productive compliment to one. Follow the instructions on the package for how much to apply for your garden and then water it in. It can also be used in hydroponic or irrigation systems. This diverse powder has shown positive effects when used as a foliage spray or soil top dress. There are quite possibly even more applications for this amazing product.

I hope the next time you see a little mushroom in your garden, you will think twice about being worried. I was taught growing up that mushrooms meant decay and were bad for the garden. Now I know that mushrooms often mean a healthy and diverse soil ecosystem. Mycorrhizae is an incredible symbiotic relationship that already exists. It is a fantastic example that we are simply onlookers and tenders to this amazing ecosystem we are part of. The natural world is so eager to thrive, and MycoRoots is an easy way that we can help that along in soils with poor activity levels.

Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer

I am a native of Southwestern Michigan, where I also reside, and I love all things plants! I got a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture and found the first work-from-home job I could get. Now, I spend my days writing for TLM, playing with my dog, eating delicious food with my husband, and plotting my next landscape or gardening move. I believe everyone should get down and dirty in the soil now and then. Happy Gardening!