The importance of establishing an abundant network of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and sustainable agricultural practices that are crucial for population success

Abstract

The agricultural community is experiencing a shift from the intensification of agriculture with abundant chemical use, and efforts to change the land and environment, to learning to work with the environment through improved, more sustainable management practices and environmental stewardship. It is the responsibility of agronomists working alongside farmers to encourage and assist farmers with continuing education in a world where technological and scientific advances are a daily occurrence. The reality is that no amount of research or experimental evidence will make a difference in the management practices farmers adopt if farmers’ knowledge on the subject is limited. There has always been a disconnect between research at the corporate and university level, and what farmers practice in their fields, and the gap can only be closed with increasing access to education. It has never been more important to bridge the knowledge gap between modern advances in research and that of farmers who plant, manage, and harvest the world’s crops, particularly food crops. The focus of this creative component is to bridge the gap between advances in agricultural research and discoveries and the knowledge of local farmers. Therefore, the topic for my educational module is “the importance of establishing an abundant network of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, and how sustainable agricultural practices are crucial for population success.” This educational module will provide farmers and agricultural students with a resource on the importance of promoting soil health through sustainable agricultural practices and the importance of soil health in establishing an abundant network of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal populations. This educational module would also discuss management practices that enhance the relationship between a crop’s root system and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) populations.