Mycorrhizal fungi provide their host plants with essential nutrients in exchange for photosynthetic derived carbon. They have high potential as bio-fertilizers. But, can we manage our agro-ecosystems in such a way that these fungi are naturally present or sustain? We inventory microbial diversity in soils of small-scale farms and common gardens of Pajottenland, a region South-West of Brussels. We assess how environmental parameters impact on microbial diversity to determine resilience of the community and its potential in plant growth promotion. STEM activities for local youth are embedded in this project.
