Aggregation of soil by fungal hyphae
Date
1997
Authors
Tisdall, J.
Smith, S.
Rengasamy, P.
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Advisors
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Journal article
Citation
Soil Research, 1997; 35(1):55-60
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Abstract
<jats:p>Several authors have proposed that soils are made up of aggregates of various sizes, stabilised by different organic and inorganic materials. Fungal hyphae have been shown to bind microaggregates (&lt;250 µm diameter) into macroaggregates (&gt;250 µm diameter). This paper examines the aggregation of soil clay by saprophytic ( Rhizoctonia solani and Hyalodendron sp.) and mycorrhizal ( Hymenoscyphus ericae and Hebeloma sp.) fungi. The results support the hypothesis that fungal hyphae bring mineral particles and organic materials together to form stable microaggregates at least &lt;2µm, and enmesh microaggregates into stable aggregates &gt;50 µm diameter.</jats:p>