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Soil health: A role for arbuscular mycorrhizas
Lynette Abbott from The University of Western Australia, focuses on soil health again, this time examining the role of arbuscular mycorrhizas. Mycorrhizas are common associations between plants and highly specialised fungi that participate in important soil health processes, including nutrient uptake by plants. This can include nutrients from fertilisers, the breakdown of soil organic matter, and soil minerals. Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi form extensive networks of hyphae in soil that extend around roots and increase the soil volume that can be explored. In addition to nutrient scavenging, the hyphae contribute to maintaining a friable soil structure that benefits root growth and even helps plants access water in tiny soil pores when soil conditions are dry. Mycorrhizas may also contribute to protection against root disease.