Scientists discovered that certain fungi work together underground to help plants get more nutrients, especially phosphorus—a nutrient plants need to grow. In this study, researchers watched how different types of fungi communicate with each other through chemical signals in soil. They found that when these fungi are close to plant roots, they work together more effectively. However, when they’re farther away, the results are mixed. This research helps us understand how the underground world of soil works and could lead to better ways to help plants grow without using as many chemical fertilizers.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How different types of helpful fungi communicate with each other underground and whether this teamwork helps plants absorb more nutrients, especially phosphorus.
  • Who participated: The study used laboratory experiments with carrot roots and two main types of fungi: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphate-solubilizing fungi (PSF). No human participants were involved.
  • Key finding: Phosphate-solubilizing fungi can boost the activity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi by up to 8 weeks, but the effect depends on where the fungi are located relative to plant roots—closer proximity generally produces better results.
  • What it means for you: This research suggests that in the future, farmers and gardeners might be able to use specific combinations of helpful fungi to improve plant nutrition naturally, potentially reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. However, this is early-stage research conducted in lab conditions, so real-world applications are still being developed.

The Research Details

Scientists created a controlled laboratory setup using Petri dishes (flat containers used in labs) to mimic what happens in soil around plant roots. They grew carrot roots with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in these dishes, creating two different zones: one where only fungi were present (called the hyphosphere) and another where both roots and fungi were together (called the mycorrhizosphere). They then added chemical signals (exudates) from three different types of phosphate-solubilizing fungi and measured how active the fungi became over 8 weeks.

The researchers tested three different phosphate-solubilizing fungi species: Talaromyces flavus, T. helicus, and T. diversus. They added these fungi’s chemical signals at different concentrations to see if more signals meant more activity. They measured two types of enzymes (phosphatases) that help break down phosphorus into forms plants can use.

This approach allowed scientists to study fungal interactions in a controlled way without the complexity of real soil, making it easier to see exactly what was happening between the different fungi.

Understanding how fungi communicate and work together is important because it could help us grow food more sustainably. If we can harness these natural partnerships, we might reduce our dependence on chemical fertilizers, which can harm the environment. This research specifically looks at phosphorus, a nutrient that’s often locked up in soil in forms plants can’t use—so finding natural ways to unlock it is valuable.

This was a controlled laboratory study, which means the conditions were carefully managed and repeatable. However, because it was done in Petri dishes rather than real soil, the results may not perfectly match what happens in nature. The study measured specific enzyme activity, which is a reliable way to assess fungal function. The research was published in a peer-reviewed journal (Mycorrhiza), meaning other experts reviewed it before publication. The main limitation is that this is foundational research—it shows what’s possible but doesn’t yet prove these effects work the same way in actual gardens or farms.

What the Results Show

The study found that phosphate-solubilizing fungi can change how active arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi become, but the effect depends on location. When phosphate-solubilizing fungi signals were placed in the hyphosphere (where fungi are together but roots aren’t directly present), they had a stronger effect on the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi’s ability to break down phosphorus. Specifically, they boosted alkaline phosphatase activity more than acid phosphatase activity.

When the same fungal signals were placed in the mycorrhizosphere (where roots and fungi are together), the results were different. In this location, the phosphate-solubilizing fungi signals had either neutral or slightly negative effects on how well the partnership worked. Interestingly, they still increased the alkaline phosphatase activity of the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, but they also increased the acid phosphatase activity of the roots themselves.

The researchers also discovered that which specific phosphate-solubilizing fungus was used mattered—different species had different effects. This suggests that not all helpful fungi are equally beneficial partners, and the specific combination of fungi matters for results.

Overall, the findings suggest that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi act as intermediaries, helping different microorganisms in soil communicate and work together more effectively, even without direct contact with plant roots.

The research revealed that fungal communication happens through chemical signals (exudates) that travel through soil. The concentration of these signals matters—more signals don’t always mean better results, suggesting there’s an optimal level of communication. The study also showed that the hyphosphere (the zone around fungal threads where roots aren’t present) is an important area for microbial interactions that we don’t fully understand yet. Additionally, the findings suggest that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi play a broader role in soil health than previously thought, acting as connectors between different microorganisms.

Previous research has shown that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi help plants absorb water and nutrients, and that phosphate-solubilizing fungi can break down locked-up phosphorus in soil. However, most earlier studies looked at these fungi separately or in simple two-organism systems. This research is novel because it examines how these fungi interact in different soil zones and how their communication affects the overall partnership. The findings build on earlier work by showing that location matters—interactions that work well in one part of the soil may not work as well in another, which is a new insight for the field.

This study was conducted entirely in laboratory conditions using Petri dishes, not in real soil. Real soil is much more complex, with thousands of different organisms and varying conditions, so results may differ in nature. The study used only carrot roots and one type of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus, so results might not apply to other plants or fungi. The experiment lasted 8 weeks, which is relatively short—longer-term effects are unknown. Additionally, the study measured enzyme activity but didn’t directly measure how much phosphorus the plants actually absorbed, so we can’t be certain this translates to better plant nutrition in practice. Finally, the sample size and specific concentrations of fungal signals used were not detailed in the abstract, making it harder to assess whether the results would hold at different scales.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, we cannot yet make specific recommendations for farmers or gardeners because this is early-stage laboratory research. However, the findings suggest that future agricultural practices might benefit from using specific combinations of helpful fungi to improve plant nutrition naturally. Anyone interested in sustainable farming should watch for follow-up research that tests these findings in real-world conditions. If you’re a researcher or agricultural professional, this work suggests that studying fungal combinations in actual soil conditions would be a valuable next step. Confidence level: Low to Moderate—this is promising foundational research, but real-world applications need further testing.

This research is most relevant to agricultural scientists, soil microbiologists, sustainable farming advocates, and fertilizer companies looking for natural alternatives. Farmers and gardeners interested in reducing chemical fertilizer use should be aware of this research but shouldn’t expect practical applications immediately. Home gardeners should continue using established practices until this research is tested in real-world conditions. People concerned about environmental sustainability and soil health will find this research encouraging as a step toward more natural farming methods.

This is foundational research, so practical benefits are likely years away. Researchers will need to conduct follow-up studies in real soil conditions, test the approach with different plants and fungi, and determine the best ways to apply these findings on farms. If progress continues at a normal pace, we might see initial practical applications in 3-5 years, with more widespread adoption potentially taking 5-10 years. This timeline assumes continued research funding and successful translation from laboratory to field conditions.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you’re a farmer or gardener using fungal inoculants, track phosphorus levels in your soil (through soil testing) and plant growth metrics (height, leaf color, yield) every 4-6 weeks. Compare these measurements between areas where you use fungal combinations and control areas without them. Record which fungal species or combinations you used and environmental conditions (temperature, moisture, pH) to identify patterns.
  • Start by getting a soil test to establish your baseline phosphorus levels and soil health. If you’re interested in sustainable practices, research and source quality fungal inoculants from reputable suppliers. Begin with small test areas rather than your entire garden or farm. Document your observations about plant health and growth. Connect with local agricultural extension services or sustainable farming groups to share experiences and learn from others experimenting with similar approaches.
  • Establish a long-term tracking system using photos (same location, same time each week), soil test results (every 6-12 months), and plant performance metrics (yield, quality, pest resistance). Keep detailed notes about which fungal products you used, application dates, and environmental conditions. Over time, this data will help you understand what works best in your specific soil and climate. Consider participating in farmer networks or citizen science projects studying soil microbes, which can provide additional insights and connect you with other practitioners.

This research is laboratory-based foundational science and has not yet been tested in real-world agricultural conditions. The findings should not be used to make immediate changes to farming or gardening practices. Anyone considering using fungal inoculants should consult with local agricultural extension services or soil scientists familiar with their specific region and crops. This research is promising but preliminary—practical applications are still in development. Always follow product labels and local agricultural guidelines when using any soil amendments or inoculants. If you have specific questions about applying these findings to your situation, consult with a qualified agronomist or soil scientist.