Celebrating National Mushroom Day: Balancing Fungus & Bacteria for Healthy Soil
National Mushroom Day, celebrated on October 15, highlights the world of fungi, particularly mushrooms—the fruiting bodies of a larger underground fungal network.
While mushrooms on our dining tables are celebrated for their culinary appeal, in agriculture, fungi (particularly mycorrhizal fungi) play an even more critical role. These fungi are key players in healthy soil ecosystems, making them an asset for farmers practicing sustainable agriculture.
But how does fungus contribute to soil health?
And why is it essential to strike the right balance between fungi and bacteria in soil?
To dive into these questions, we enlisted the help of Greg Selby, MyLand’s Senior Strategist, Grower Support & Education.
The Power of Mycorrhizal Fungi
Sustainable growers want the presence of mycorrhizal fungi on their farms because it forms a symbiotic relationship with plant roots. This type of fungi attaches itself to root hairs and acts as an extension of the plant’s root system, helping the plant access nutrients that it otherwise couldn’t reach.
“They dig in that soil and find all the goodies that the tree can’t find and then feed the tree,” Selby says. In exchange, plants feed the fungi by sending carbon down to the soil. This exchange is mutually beneficial, creating a balanced underground ecosystem.
Fungus & Bacteria: Achieving Equilibrium
One of the goals in sustainable agriculture is to strike a balance between fungal and bacterial populations in the soil. That said, “the idea of a balanced soil, normally, when you talk to a grower, is 1 to 1,” says Selby. “For every bacterial cell, you have a fungal cell.” Achieving this balance can be tricky, especially in conventional agricultural systems where bacterial populations often dominate over fungi.
Different crops have varying fungal needs. For example, a pistachio tree has shallow roots, which encourages a fungal relationship.
On the other hand, crops like potatoes and strawberries require less fungal presence due to concerns about molds and diseases.
“Fungus is kind of a good and bad word depending on who you’re talking to,” Greg notes, highlighting the crop-specific nature of fungal management.
Why Mushrooms Matter
Mushrooms are the visible, fruiting bodies of a much larger fungal system. While they may only appear sporadically, they are a sign that the underground fungal network is healthy and thriving.
“Mushrooms are normally only going to sprout a few times of times per year when the environment’s perfect,” Selby says.
These conditions—usually involving wet soil—allow mushrooms to release spores, which then settle into the soil and pseudo-inject it with new fungal hyphae, continuing the cycle of nutrient exchange and soil health improvement.
This fungal network plays a crucial role in helping plants access water and nutrients, enhancing soil structure, and promoting microbial activity.
Creating Conditions for Beneficial Fungi
At MyLand, our focus is on improving overall soil health to foster the growth of beneficial fungi like mycorrhizae. Building up bacterial populations in the soil helps create a stable environment for fungi to thrive.
This soil-building process provides so-called ‘housing’ for fungi, allowing them to establish themselves in the ecosystem. When the environment is right, beneficial fungi can outcompete harmful fungi, leading to healthier soil overall.
Conclusion
As we celebrate National Mushroom Day, remember that mushrooms are not just a culinary delight—they are key players in maintaining soil health. By promoting beneficial fungi like mycorrhizal fungi, farmers can improve nutrient uptake, water retention, and soil structure, ultimately leading to more resilient agricultural systems.
Next time you see a mushroom pop up in your garden, remember the vital role fungi play beneath the surface. They’re working tirelessly to support healthy soil—and by extension, healthy plants and ecosystems.