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Its exciting to see what happens to the fairy rings and the grass growth at Delargy Downs as these beneficial fungi are allowed to thrive through keeping grazing pressure to a minimum where possible, and give the farm a chance to "breathe."

The fungi themselves are fascinating, so this is what Chatgpt has to say about them:  

What Mycorrhizal Fungi Are:

 Mycorrhizal fungi are special soil fungi that form a symbiotic (mutually beneficial) relationship with plant roots.  The word “mycorrhiza” literally means “fungus-root.”  About 90% of plants rely on them.  

How They Work With Root Hairs  Plant roots have fine extensions called root hairs that absorb water and nutrients. But these root hairs can only reach so far — only a few millimeters into the surrounding soil.  Here’s where mycorrhizal fungi come in:  The fungi attach to the root surface or actually grow inside the root cells (depending on the type — ectomycorrhiza or endomycorrhiza).  They send out hyphae — microscopic thread-like filaments — that extend far out into the soil, sometimes metres beyond the root zone.  These hyphae dramatically increase the surface area for nutrient and water absorption — up to 700 times greater than the plant could manage alone.  Result: The plant gains far more access to nutrients (especially phosphorus, nitrogen, zinc, and copper) and water than it could on its own. 

 The Nutrient Exchange  It’s a true partnership:  

The plant provides the fungus with sugars (carbohydrates) it makes during photosynthesis.  The fungus provides the plant with nutrients and moisture it gathers from the soil.  This exchange happens through microscopic interfaces where the fungal hyphae touch or penetrate the root cells — these are like tiny trade hubs.  

Relationship With Bacteria (Beneficial and Non-Beneficial):

  Soil bacteria are also critical partners in this underground ecosystem.  Beneficial bacteria:  Some bacteria (like Rhizobium on legumes) fix nitrogen from the air into forms plants can use (nitrates, ammonium).  Others help decompose organic matter, releasing minerals like potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur.  Many “plant growth–promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR)” work together with mycorrhizae — they can stimulate root growth, protect against pathogens, and even signal fungi to colonize roots more effectively.  Non-beneficial (pathogenic) bacteria:  Some bacteria cause root rot, wilting, or toxin production.  Mycorrhizal fungi help protect the plant by forming a physical barrier around the roots and by triggering the plant’s immune responses, making it less susceptible to infection.  They can also outcompete pathogens for space and nutrients in the rhizosphere (the thin soil layer around roots).  

How Mycorrhizae Help the Soil  Mycorrhizal fungi don’t just help plants — they actually build better soil:  Their hyphae exude a sticky protein-like compound called glomalin, which acts as a soil glue. This binds soil particles into stable aggregates, improving structure, aeration, and water-holding capacity.  This helps prevent erosion and compaction.  They contribute to carbon sequestration, locking plant-derived carbon into the soil through their biomass and glomalin.  

How Nutrients Become Available  Nutrients in the soil often exist in locked or unavailable forms — bound to minerals or organic matter. Mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria make them available by:  Secreting enzymes and acids that dissolve minerals (like phosphates and iron compounds).  Decomposing organic matter into smaller molecules plants can absorb.  Recycling nutrients from dead plant and animal material.  Storing nutrients temporarily in fungal networks, then releasing them slowly as needed — almost like a “soil bank.”  This means:  Even after plants or fungi die, their organic remains enrich the soil.  Nutrients remain “in circulation,” ready for the next generation of plants.