Restoring Soil Health: Mycorrhizal Fungi vs. Local Organic Matter

Q: On new property, want to restore soil health before planting. Is applying mycorrhizal fungi beneficial for native microbiome?

A: Mycorrhizae are helpful fungi bringing water and nutrients to roots, but research is mixed on improving growing conditions. Soil scientists say they might help in certain infertile soils but are useless in most. Best native biome: shred local leaves for mulch or tilled-in amendment. Ask neighbors for local farms with animal manure to till in.