Presentation Type
Poster
Faculty Mentor’s Full Name
Caroline Stephens
Faculty Mentor’s Department
Environmental Studies
Abstract / Artist's Statement
The effects of saprophytic fungi on soil health have been observed extensively. As decomposers, these types of fungi are known to build soil by breaking down organic material through extracellular enzymatic activity, leading to an increase of available nutrients for local plants, including nitrogen, phosphorous, metals, and atmospheric carbon. Additional evidence suggests fungal activity can promote plant health by displaying antibacterial, antinematodal, and pesticidal properties in soils. With this research, I explore the relationship between fungi and crops in agricultural systems to better understand soil food web dynamics and soil health. I interviewed various farmers, mycologists, and soil biologists about the measurable impacts of edible fungi on the environment and their operations. Additionally, I collected qualitative reports from farmers describing outcomes from intercropping on small-scale vegetable productions. By transcribing interviews into scripts, I analyzed this data by assigning inductive codes to thematic words and phrases. The results will highlight anecdotal experiences of growers and identify gaps in knowledge.
Category
Life Sciences
The Impacts of Saprotrophic Fungi On Crop Production
UC South Ballroom
The effects of saprophytic fungi on soil health have been observed extensively. As decomposers, these types of fungi are known to build soil by breaking down organic material through extracellular enzymatic activity, leading to an increase of available nutrients for local plants, including nitrogen, phosphorous, metals, and atmospheric carbon. Additional evidence suggests fungal activity can promote plant health by displaying antibacterial, antinematodal, and pesticidal properties in soils. With this research, I explore the relationship between fungi and crops in agricultural systems to better understand soil food web dynamics and soil health. I interviewed various farmers, mycologists, and soil biologists about the measurable impacts of edible fungi on the environment and their operations. Additionally, I collected qualitative reports from farmers describing outcomes from intercropping on small-scale vegetable productions. By transcribing interviews into scripts, I analyzed this data by assigning inductive codes to thematic words and phrases. The results will highlight anecdotal experiences of growers and identify gaps in knowledge.