Organism
Ectomycorrhizal Fungi
TL;DR
Fungi that form symbiotic partnerships with tree roots, creating a direct nutrient pipeline from dead organic matter to living plants.
Fungi that form symbiotic partnerships with tree roots, creating a direct nutrient pipeline from dead organic matter to living plants. They extend hyphae throughout the litter layer, secrete decomposing enzymes, and transport nutrients directly to host roots. Studies found 50-80% of nitrogen in temperate forest trees comes directly from mycorrhizal decomposition rather than soil nitrate.
Notable Traits of Ectomycorrhizal Fungi
- Symbiotic root partnership
- Direct nutrient transfer
- 50-80% of tree nitrogen supply