what is the importance of fungi in soil ecosystems? (simple answers)?

Answer 1

In the soil:
1. Fungi break down dead organic matter and organic wastes to return the nutrients to the soil. They are decomposers.
2. Fungi form relationships with the roots of many plants, helping the plants to absorb nutrients from the soil. These fungal relationships are called mycorrhizae.

Answer 2

1. some fungi are decomposers. the nutrients from dead organic materials decomposed by the fungi are very essential to soil.

2. Fungi often grow in close association with members of other species in symbiotic relationships.
Their symbiotic relationships are usually mutualistic. The mutualistic relationship is essential to many ecosystem
Ex.
lichens and mycorrhizae
*lichens [lykunz]
They are symbiotic associations between a fungus and a photosynthetic organism.
Extremely resistant to cold and drought
Survive on harsh environments such as dry bare rock desserts and on the tops of the mountains because of the relationships between to partner organisms.
First organisms to enter barren environments, gradually breaking down the rocks on which they grow.
Remarkably sensitive to air pollution
Among the first organism to be affected when air quality deteriorates

* mycorrhizae
Association of plant roots and fungi
80% of all plant species form mycorrhizae with fungi
The presence of mycorrhizae is essential for growth of many plants. The seeds of some plants, such as orchids cannot germinate in the absence of mycorrhizal fungi.
Mycorrhizal relationships are often very specialized