What is Mycelium?
Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus or fungus-like bacterial colony consisting of a mass of braiding, thread like hyphae. Mycelia are of vital importance to the soil as they break down organic material for use in the soil ecosystem.
Beneficial mycelia increase the efficiency of water and nutrient absorption of most plants and provides resistance to some plant pathogens. It is also an important food source for many soil invertebrates.
Glomalin is a soil related protein and is critical to a high functioning soil ecosystem in that it glues everything together excreting a rich earth smell. BioActive Soils fertilisers supply this medium to enhance plant-soil microbiome symbiosis and to help build active carbon (humus) into the soil. Our fish-based products are protein rich enabling protein starved soils to bounce back quickly. The proteins from the breakdown of the fish within our fertilisers are carried by bacteria and fungi enzymes into the soil and plants which directly benefit livestock with a healthier, more balanced diet.
All BioActive Soils base fertiliser products contain significant quantities of mycelium which benefit the soil, plants, and livestock diet on farm.
Soil microbes can’t be seen with the naked eye, but they do exist- so like viewing earth from space, when you turn the biological lights on, they become obvious.
How does mycelium benefit the soil?
Mycelium plays an important role in healthy, living soil. Its fine, thread-like networks move through the soil, helping break down organic matter and support the movement of nutrients and moisture around the root zone.
Healthy mycelium activity can help improve soil structure, support nutrient cycling and contribute to better water retention. This creates a stronger environment for plant roots and helps build long-term soil resilience.
The role of mycelium in plant growth
Mycelium supports plant growth by helping connect plants with the soil biology around them. These fungal networks can assist with nutrient availability, particularly in biologically active soils where microbes, fungi, organic matter and plant roots are working together.
For farmers and growers, this matters because healthy soil biology can support stronger root systems, better pasture and crop performance, and improved resilience during periods of stress such as dry conditions, heat or high input pressure.
