Practical Strategies for Integrating Mycorrhizal Fungi in Regenerative Agriculture
Across the globe, regenerative farmers are increasingly adopting methods that foster and enhance the activity of mycorrhizal fungi—particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF). These soil organisms play a central role in nutrient cycling, soil structure, and plant resilience. Rather than relying on inputs, regenerative systems aim to create conditions where beneficial fungi can thrive naturally.
Below are key strategies that farmers are using to integrate mycorrhizae into their systems, along with real-world examples of their impact.
1. Reducing Tillage to Preserve Fungal Networks
Why it matters:
Tillage is one of the most disruptive practices to soil microbiology. It physically severs fungal hyphae, breaks root associations, and degrades soil structure. Transitioning to no-till or minimal tillage systems allows the underground fungal networks to remain intact and expand, leading to improved water retention and nutrient exchange.
In practice:
Farmers who have moved from conventional tillage to no-till often report increases in organic matter, greater water infiltration, and reduced input costs—while maintaining or even improving crop yields due to healthier, more biologically active soils.
2. Using Cover Crops to Support Mycorrhizal Populations
Why it matters:
Cover crops keep living roots in the soil year-round, providing continuous carbon to support microbial life. Certain species, such as clover, vetch, and oats, are particularly effective at encouraging AMF colonization.
In practice:
Diverse cover crop rotations have been shown to improve soil aggregation and fungal density, decreasing the need for synthetic fertilizers by enhancing natural nutrient cycling.
3. Avoiding Synthetic Fertilizers and Fungicides
Why it matters:
Excessive applications of nitrogen and phosphorus can reduce the plant’s dependence on mycorrhizal fungi, suppressing the symbiotic relationship. Additionally, some fungicides unintentionally harm beneficial fungal communities.
In practice:
Agroforestry and low-input systems that reduce chemical use often experience a measurable increase in mycorrhizal colonization, contributing to improved plant health and nutrient availability in perennial and polyculture environments.
4. Applying Mycorrhizal Inoculants
Why it matters:
In degraded or biologically poor soils, introducing commercial mycorrhizal inoculants can help re-establish fungal-plant partnerships. These inoculants are typically applied during seeding, transplanting, or through compost teas.
In practice:
At the Rodale Institute in Pennsylvania, trials with AMF inoculants in organic corn production improved phosphorus uptake and increased yields by up to 20%, demonstrating the value of strategic fungal introductions.
5. Implementing Rotational Grazing Systems
Why it matters:
Managed grazing stimulates root exudation, enhancing carbon flow into the soil and feeding microbial life, including mycorrhizae. Additionally, livestock manure contributes to nutrient cycling, indirectly supporting fungal activity.
In practice:
Farmers like Ian Mitchell-Innes in South Africa have demonstrated that holistic grazing approaches regenerate soil microbial communities, increase fungal presence, and improve pasture productivity.
6. Using Compost and Biological Amendments
Why it matters:
Compost and compost teas provide a wide range of beneficial microorganisms, including fungi. When well-aerated and fungal-dominant, these amendments can significantly enhance microbial diversity in soils.
In practice:
The Johnson-Su Bioreactor, developed in New Mexico, produces fungal-rich compost that supports AMF colonization and improves soil structure in annual and perennial cropping systems.
