Fungi Feeding Bacteria

Along with bacteria, fungi are important as decomposers in the soil food web. They convert hard-to-digest organic material into forms that other organisms can use. Fungal hyphae physically bind soil particles together, creating stable aggregates that help increase water infiltration and soil water-holding capacity. Fungi prefer living and growing in dry conditions, however these conditions are not ideal for bacteria, as they like a bit more moisture. However new research indicates that a number of soil fungi can transfer water, carbon and nitrogen to certain bacteria in order to help them survive in dry conditions. So how is this important for soil and plant health? We know that bacteria and fungi work together to not only cycle nutrients for plants to use, but they can also actively protect plants from attack by pathogens. This protection is critical at times of plant stress when they are more susceptible to attack, so in…

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