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A Mutual Benefit
Mycorrhizae and plants have a symbiotic relationship where
the mycorrhizae fungi and the plant live and work together
to mutual advantage. This relationship begins when fungal
spores germinate creating threadlike microscopic structures
called hyphae.
The hyphae enter the plant’s root system, colonize the root
zone, and spread out densely into the growing medium,
forming an expansive web called the mycelium.
The mycelium increases the root area of the plant anywhere
between 300 to 800 times, sometimes more. Hyphae are so
tiny that they squeeze their way into areas of the soil where
normal roots would not be able to reach, making them
extremely effective at collecting more nutrients for the plant.
The plant feeds the fungi by sending excess sugar it has
stored down to the roots, where the mycorrhizae then absorbs
it to sustain themselves.
The mycorrhizae need these sugars because they only
exist underground and cannot perform photosynthesis by
themselves, meaning the sugars from the plants are what
keeps them alive.
In return for this offering, the mycorrhizae provide the plant
with greater access to nutrients, especially those in the
form of phosphates. The mycelium increases the root’s area
of absorption and helps process nutrient sources in forms
that the plant’s roots alone would not be able to access. It
increases the take up of all essential nutrient elements but
especially elemental phosphorus (P), zinc (Zn), manganese
(Mn), copper (Cu), and water.
“THE MYCELIUM increases the
root’s area of absorption and helps
process nutrient sources in forms
that the plant’s roots alone would
not be able to access.”
A Vast Underground Network
In a natural environment, the mycelium of a single mycorrhiza
can connect multiple plants, including plants of different
species. Mycelium can also connect with other forms
of mycorrhizae creating an underground system called a
common mycorrhizal network.
Plants can signal their needs to each other through this
network, communicating with each other and using the
network like a transportation line to transport sugars
wherever they are needed.
In the natural world, mycorrhizal networks can connect
plants that are on opposite sides of a forest. A single mycelium’s
hyphae can measure hundreds or thousands of miles.
The strands of hyphae are so fine that there can be more
than 124 miles of hyphae in two pounds of soil!
Perfect for Hydroponic Cannabis
Mycorrhizae products are usually sold in powder or liquid
form and most of the top-quality products available are
approved for use with organic or synthetic fertilizers in soils,
coco, and all hydroponic systems.
Mycorrhizae can be used from the very beginning of your
grow, at every repotting stage, or even as a top feed. This
makes it perfect for cannabis plants as it will support your
roots from day one, whether you are growing from seeds or
cuttings or just want to maintain a healthy strong mother plant.
Although a natural occurrence, mediums commonly used
for growing cannabis indoors, including coco coir and those
with a base of peat moss or bark, are not composed of and do
not naturally contain any mycorrhizal fungi. Therefore, you
should add it yourself via a mycorrhizal inoculant.
Mycorrhizae does have its tolerances and best-use conditions,
performing at optimal levels when the environment is
kept between 68-73°F, a pH between 5.5-7.5, and in an environment
that has equal air-to-water ratio.
Some species of mycorrhizae can tolerate more alkaline
or acidic conditions, however, try to choose a product that
contains a blend of various types of mycorrhizae species, as
this will make for a healthy mix that works efficiently in a
range of varying pH conditions.
Hydroponic grow systems are often lauded as producing
phenomenal results when it comes to growing cannabis,
mainly due to the abundance of water and nutrients that the
roots are constantly exposed to, so the use of mycorrhizae here
is the perfect fit to enhance results even further.
There are mycorrhizal mixes specifically designed for hydroponic
systems where spores and hyphae fragments are mixed
with delivery media in liquid or powder form. Many generic
formulations can be added directly to the hydroponic nutrient
delivery, however, as the particles within the mix are small
enough to pass through systems without clogging them up. If
in any doubt, check the directions before you buy.
Mycorrhizal fungi do not generally reproduce in hydroponic
systems, so you need to remember to add more inoculant to
the nutrient delivery system as the roots develop throughout
the life of the plant
A hydroponic system needs to be fully aerobic if you intend
on using mycorrhizae, so oxygen levels should be maintained
at 6-8 ppm via the use of air stones or bubblers, which is
something you should be doing anyway to ensure your roots
are benefitting from adequate oxygenation.
Phosphorus levels of around 70 ppm or more in a hydro
system can result in fungal spores going dormant and not
germinating, therefore you should carefully monitor phosphorus
levels to encourage the presence of mycorrhizae. The
presence of chlorine in your water systems can also affect the
mycorrhizal growth and should be removed from water used
in hydroponic applications.
The pH of water in hydroponic systems is also important.
Most mycorrhizal fungi require a pH range of 5.5-7.0 to survive.
Maintaining proper temperatures will maximize mycorrhizal
colonization further so take note that mycorrhizal fungi thrive
in temperatures of 65-75°F, which is the ideal range for most
plants including cannabis.
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