Despite huge hype internationally and used as a standard introduction into the planting schemes in many countries, mychorrizal fungi's introduction into the UK market place has hardly been a success.
There are many possible reasons, but in fact the introduction of the spores into many products has not even been advertised by the producers, despite the clear benefits of using the supplements in many cases.
It is true that many have been reserved about the widespread use of the fungi - the products have been developed rapidly, when the science is still discovering more and more as to just how amazing the fungi are. As such introducing concentrated high quantities of the fungi into any landscape management regime should be done with caution.
Here in Cornwall, despite the abundance of beautiful and amazing gardens, the soil is inherently poor and indeed often contaminated. The vast majority of Cornwall is underlaid with slate formations and shallow soils, which when disturbed, (as in many development sites), can be very problematic with regards land management, particularly drainage. Huge quantities of soil improver have to be used and chemical fertiliser is seen as a must for many gardeners. As such Mychorrizal fungi can help, we have trialled some of the 'off - the - shelf' products and some of the more specialist products, all of which make a clear difference in the root systems and indeed improve the soils to a significant amount in the immediate surround of the application. With regards the appearance of the plants it is difficult to determine much of a change, but survival rates are considerably higher together with stronger resistance to wind.
However a clear warning - The 'County Forester' made it clear that in light of the recent outbreaks of Phytophora ramorum and kernovia in Cornwall, there is a fear of introducing a product which is mainly produced in the USA and as such due to the incredible nature of the fungal spores, a degree of caution is required in applying the products. There are 'UK' and European mixes available also and it is best to determine the source before application.
Across many parts of Europe it is standard behaviour to use mychorrizal. In Spain particularly the products make a huge difference when 'landscaping' or 'gardening' in desert areas.
In France it is common practice to dip all trees into a mix containing mychorrizal fungi's prior to planting. This has led to some problems, as it it also common practice to stake high up the tree. The roots have all they need; and rarely develop any strength on their own merit. The stakes are removed and the next annual 'once in a lifetime' storm simply fells the tree.
We would advocate the use of mychorrizal fungi wholeheartedly, but this is not a gimmick product the guidelines need to be adhered to strongly, application needs to be kept to a minimum. And it is quite useless to utilise the product if you 'give in' and use a dose of 'miracle grow' or similar prior to your 'In Laws' visit. Chemical applications will kill of the fungi easily.
There is growing evidence that the application of the fungi may 'combat' the nasty fungi's which are rich in the UK, but the research has not yet been completed fully.
The most beneficial use of the fungi as a supplement is when turning land previously heavily managed by 'chemicals' into a new organic regime, but it should only be used in the initial stages.
European Trees
www.paysagedurable.com
Comments
Basically we have found that in really poor soil, post industrial or inherent, the mychorrizal isbeneficial if the soil is good, there is absolutely no point. The 'friendly fungi' guys are pretty good, but I would not trust any distributer - also we have always found that reducing the quantities and mixing in good well rotted compost, bio stimulant etc.,. into the mix allows for the fungi to react better. It is also prudent to plant towards the end of the season, as such making the product far too fiddly for commercial usage.
But for those who really want to go the extra mile it can allow for a guarantee on the plants.
The mychorrizal associations formed between trees and fungi are truely amazing, so I would love to know where to get some from, especially stuff that doesnt come wixed with NPK.
Am I right in thinking that it is standard practice in commercial forestry to innoclate the seedling rhizospheres with mychorrizae?
Cheers, Andy
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