Please see part 1 (post 15) for an introduction where I mentioned:
Spore release in forests (plus microclimates), Mycorrhizal fungi, Climate, Ant colonies relationship with fungi, & lastly listed a few key points raised in posts so far which have either direct or indirect importance of fungi.
For this one I thought of analysing soil relationship. For this we have to look at 3 types functional groups these being mutualists (mycorrhizal), decomposers (saprophytic), & pathogens/parasites. Fungi is a fantastic coherer. Take mycorrhizal fungi, it binds soils together which in a specific sense increases holding capacity of water & infiltration; & indirect impacts support the foundations for plant life & land control you could say; although I guess this could also be a direct impact too in that when hyphae threads connect to create mycelium; this creates mutual relationships with trees & plants in that fungi trade off phosphorus, nitrogen & nutrients/micronutrients to feed plants in exchange for carbon. Mycorrhizae
Saprophytic fungi is I have covered in "Mushroom Macros" for example Mycena Vitilis & Mycena Filopes. These are decomposers & will appear during autumn when woodland floors are covered with leaves. Saprotrophic of course do occur all year as these species belong to the largest group of (macro) fungi.
Reference List:
Comments