Love (Mycorrhizae) Takes Root

Abstract

The goal of this experiment is to showcase the interactions and relationships between mycorrhizae, soil, and plant species. Two types of mycorrhizae were used--natural mycorrhizae and commercial mycorrhizae (specifically the brand Root Naturally Endo Mycorrhizae). Half of the plants were grown in live soil, and the other half was grown in sterile soil. The two specific plant species used were Salvia azurae and Desmodium canadense. We hypothesized that mycorrhiza would have a positive effect on plant growth and development; specifically, aboveground plant biomass, chlorophyll count, and water content. A SPAD meter was used to measure chlorophyll content, and a scale was used to measure aboveground biomass. Water content was found by taking the ratio of aboveground dry biomass to aboveground wet biomass. The results of this experiment did not support the initial hypothesis. Mycorrhizae did not have an overall significant effect on plant growth and development. The type of mycorrhizae inoculum did have a significant effect on aboveground dry biomass. Soil treatment was significant more often than the inoculum type.  This research can be used to better understand the relationship between mycorrhizae, plant biomass, chlorophyll count, and water count.