The importance of mycorrhizae to grassland growth

Abstract

The following report looks at the role that mycorrhizae play in the structuring
of a grassland community. The importance of mycorrhizae and its benefit to
terrestrial plant species are examined as part of a site specific field study. The
objective of this study is to inform future management of this grassland and
assess if mycorrhizae are benefiting plant species on site, allowing certain
plant species to dominate.
Various procedures for gathering field samples and root staining processes
have been examined and assessed for a method that consistently provides
reliable results. The selected ‘best method’ has allowed data collection with a
high degree of accuracy, resulting in some significant conclusions to be
reached.
The information collected from this study has shown that there is a high level
of mycorrhizal activity present at the sample site, but the role that mycorrhizae
are playing in community structuring is minimal. This has led to the conclusion
that other factors present on site are benefiting certain species more than
others and these factors are also affecting the mycorrhizal levels.