Allies in the Soil: Mycorrhizal Fungi

This video, featuring  Dr. Adam Cobb’s work and hosted by Dr. Elaine's Soil Food Web School, explores how mycorrhizal fungi work as crucial partners to plants, supporting both soil health and human nutrition through agroecological relationships. Dr. Cobb shares insights from his research on plant-microbe symbiosis, especially the importance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in grasses, grain crops, and perennial pastures, highlighting how their abundance and diversity can be strategically enhanced through plant breeding for major benefits in yield and soil resilience.

Dr. Cobb emphasises the critical opportunity for agriculture to positively impact both the environment and communities through intentional soil regeneration and symbiotic crop management. He encourages shifting breeding and farming practices toward those that prioritise partnerships with mycorrhizal fungi, noting this could reverse historic soil degradation and launch a virtuous cycle for agricultural productivity and human health.