Hello Hugh - Thanks for sending the images of root growth and your thoughts. I guess they didn't make it on the BD-Now archives, so I've copied your "text" below. I'm fascinated by the simple observation method that you present. Roots and rhizosheres and associated microorganisms are topics that I've spent years looking into and thinking about. I'm not sure if you suggest those rooting patterns are VAM-derived hyphae radiating outwards, or maybe you suggest that VAM-colonized roots are stimulated to *proliferate*, in the zone that you describe. Regardless, my ears are pricked up and will keep thinking and learning. I've got tremendous respect for the BD farming experience you and others bring to this group. The following online book from Australia is superb. Working with Mycorrhizas in Forestry and Agriculture Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR)/ CSIRO Forestry and Forest Products http://www.ffp.csiro.au/research/mycorrhiza/ Especially see Section 3. on VAM, and the following quote. Section 3. ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAS http://www.ffp.csiro.au/research/mycorrhiza/vam.html "The network of hyphae in the soil is only connected to roots by the entry points that initiate (VAM) mycorrhizal associations, as hyphae do not grow out of living roots." Also see Section 4. on Ectomycorrhizas. Section 4. ECTOMYCORRHIZAS http://www.ffp.csiro.au/research/mycorrhiza/ecm/ecm.html I'm still open to your observation-based method, but wondering how it jives with the vasicular arbuscular mycorrhizal knowledge base. Interestingly, Walter Goldstein's research on BD influence on rooting patterns might be relevant to this discussion. There are definitely differences in rooting patterns based on organic matter, soil biology, and humic substances. With regards, Steve Diver Hugh Lovel wrote:
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