Mycorrhiza literally means “fungus root” that describes the symbiotic relationship of fungi and plant roots. Mycorrhizal fungi supply plants with water and essential nutrients from parts of the soil that roots alone would not be able to access. Plants with mycorrhizal fungi are more tolerant to drought. In return, the plant provides the fungus with sugars and other carbohydrates that are produced through photosynthesis. Mycorrhizal fungi are best developed in undisturbed soils that aren’t excessively fertilized with phosphorus. Most cover crops are a host for mycorrhizal fungi which can then be transferred to the following crop, potentially increasing yield.