So, how are mycorrhizae beneficial for plants? Mycorrhizae feed by attaching themselves to plant roots, which provide the fungi with sugars from photosynthesis. In return, the mycorrhizae expand the plant’s root system and help it reach far-away nutrients that would otherwise be unavailable to the plant. Being attached directly to the root also helps nutrients, particularly phosphates, become more available to the plants. They also help regulate water.
Mycorrhizas create a barrier around and even inside the roots that stops certain pathogens from penetrating the roots and colonizing the plant. And even if they made it through, most probably they would be eliminated by the inner structure mycorrhizas create. Thus, this symbiotic association is a great way of protecting your cannabis plants from disease. You want your soil to be colonized with beneficial fungi/bacteria strains, just like your gut for optimum health.
There are many great beneficial fungi/bacteria products on the market, the more diversity generally the better. A fertilizer we love which also contains beneficial fungi/bacteria is Bio Live from Down To Earth Fertilizers. With any product it’s important to check the date, as CFU’s (colony forming units) will decrease with time. Something else to note is your water source, its ideal to avoid water that contains chlorine/chloramines. These will disrupt the life in your soil, Rain, well and Reverse Osmosis water are better choices. At the very least let your tap water sit out for 24hrs to let some of the chlorine evaporate. You can also bubble your tap water with an air stone.
