Introduction

What are Fungi?

Fungi are living organisms that are members of the eukaryotic organism group.

What are Mycorrhizal fungi?

They are a type of fungi that form symbiotic relationships, called Mycorrhizae, with the majority of terrestrial plants. Most plants rely on Mycorrhizae for nutrients and moisture. There are two types of Mycorrhizae, they are  ectomycorrhizae (as shown in figure 1) and endomycorrhizae (as shown in figure 2). The Ectomycorrhizal fungi form a sheath around the root tip of the plant. The Endomycorrhizal fungi is confined to the cells of the root system.

figure 1                                                                             figure 2 figure 1 https://www.google.com/search?q=endomycorrhizal+fungi&biw=1366&bih=673&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMIn8yQ_e3xxgIVyHY-Ch1lZQi4#tbm=isch&q=ectomycorrhizae&imgrc=hO-0LvVnEz7XmM%3A figure 2 https://www.google.com/search?q=endomycorrhizal+fungi&biw=1366&bih=673&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAWoVChMIn8yQ_e3xxgIVyHY-Ch1lZQi4#tbm=isch&q=endomycorrhizae&imgrc=qFWD4jN8h-aeLM%3A What is important about Mycorrhizae?

Mycorrhizae boost phosphate, nitrogen, water, and other nutrient intake for the host plants which is incredibly beneficial to the environment.

What is Phosphate and Phosphorus?

Phosphate is the form of Phosphorus (PO4-3) that is usable by plants. Phosphorus is a chemical element that is a vital nutrient for plants. Phosphorus moves through rocks, water, soil, and sediments. Rain and weathering cause rocks to release phosphate and other minerals, this phosphorus is distributed in soils and water. Plants take in the inorganic phosphate from the soil.

Why Study Mycorrhizal fungi and Phosphate?

Our theory was if more Mycorrhizal fungi are present in sites 1, 2, and 3, and less is in site 4, then the Phosphate levels in site 4 would potentially be higher than the Phosphate levels in sites 1, 2, and 3.