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Fungi grow in long threads called hyphae (singular: hypha). Fungi use these threads to bind themselves to plant surfaces as well as decaying organic matter and soil particles. They translocate water and nutrients over a great distance and provide it to the plants when there is inadequate moisture.
Fungi build soil structure by forming a three dimensional matrix of hyphae. They hold the micro aggregates ‘glued’ by the bacteria together with other soil particles, minerals and bits of organic matter to form macro aggregates. This creates a network of spaces and passageways between them in which air and water may freely move through the soil, forming habitat for other members of the SFW.
There are two types of Fungi:
Saprophytic Fungi decompose organic matter. They are responsible for the breakdown of the more recalcitrant materials like cellulose and lignin. They produce powerful extracelluar enzymes (outside of their body) to break down these highly resistant materials. Other members of the SFW can only feed on these long chain carbon compounds after fungi have begun to break them down.
Mycorrhizal Fungi form a mutalistic relationship with plants ( a type of symbiosis) by providing nutrients, moisture and protecting the root surfaces from root feeders. They do this in exchange for up to 80% of all the sugars the plant produces through photosynthesis. Most Mycorrhizal Fungi protect the plant by offering a dense coat around the root surface, providing a shield against pests and pathogens, and some Mycorrhizal fungi have even evolved to feed on the host plant’s predators by making itself a snare, to trap and feed on the pest
Click here to Read this fascinating pdf article about Mycorhizzal fungifrom the June 2007 edition of Landscape Management Magazine.
Fungi are the principle immobilizers of Calcium in the soil. They immobilize calcium on the surface of their hyphae in the form of Calcium Oxalate crystals. It is not available to plants however, until the fungi themselves are immobilized (eaten) by higher predators and mineralized (excreted).
For further information on fungi, follow the links to:
Fungi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fungi
Mushrooms: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mushroom
Mycelium http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycelium
Intro to Mycorrhizal Fungi: http://www.ffp.csiro.au/research/mycorrhiza/intro.html#what
Mycorrhizal Fungi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mycorrhiza
Saprotroph: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saprophyte
Arbuscular Fungi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbuscular_mycorrhiza
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