Red Seal Landscape Horticulturist Practice Exam

Mycorrhizal fungi play a crucial role in enhancing soil health primarily by improving nutrient uptake. These fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, extending their hyphae into the soil and increasing the surface area available for absorption. This relationship allows plants to access essential nutrients such as phosphorus, nitrogen, and other micronutrients more effectively than they could on their own. The presence of mycorrhizal fungi in the soil enhances the nutrient cycling process, making it easier for plants to absorb and utilize nutrients. This can lead to healthier plants, increased growth rates, and improved resistance to pests and diseases. Furthermore, mycorrhizal networks can help in mobilizing nutrients from organic matter and connecting multiple plants, potentially benefiting an entire plant community. In contrast, options that suggest a decrease in plant resilience, inhibition of root growth, or increased soil compaction do not reflect the positive contributions that mycorrhizal fungi provide. Instead, these options overlook the beneficial symbiotic relationship that drastically supports plant health and soil ecology.