Mycorrhizal Fungi in Agriculture
How mycorrhizal fungi support crop nutrition, water uptake and soil structure, and how farm practices can encourage them.
Program identification
- 1.1Program name
- Mycorrhizal Fungi in Agriculture
- 1.2Type of qualification
- Course
- 1.3Provider / endorsing institution
- Fungaris – International Institute of Mycology, School of Fungal Ecology & Regenerative Agriculture. A Fungaris program of its own, not endorsed by a university.
- 1.4Mode of study
- Online, with live sessions in a small group, recordings and a virtual campus.
- 1.5Duration (hours / ECTS credits)
- 3 months (12 weeks) · 72 hours in total · 6 modules of 12 hours · 12 live sessions of 2 hours. ECTS credits: not applicable (Fungaris own program, not an official university degree).
- 1.6Language
- English
- 1.7Start and end dates / intake
- Next intake: January 11, 2027 to April 2, 2027. Enrollment closes on January 4, 2027. Following intake: March 8, 2027. How intakes work →
Overview
2.1Program description
This course explains how mycorrhizal fungi colonize crop roots, extend a hyphal network far beyond the root zone and trade phosphorus, zinc and water for plant sugars. You will look closely at arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, the group that partners with most field crops, and at how their hyphae help bind soil particles into stable aggregates. The later modules turn to the farm itself: which practices, such as heavy phosphorus fertilization, bare fallows or intensive tillage, weaken the symbiosis, and which, such as diverse rotations and cover crops, strengthen it.
With fertilizer costs, drought risk and soil degradation all pressing on farm margins, understanding this underground partnership is becoming a practical management skill rather than an academic curiosity. The course suits farmers, agronomists and crop advisers who want a clear, evidence-based starting point without a laboratory background. For the final project, each student assesses mycorrhizal colonization in roots from a chosen field and writes a short management note on how current practices may be helping or limiting the fungi.
2.2Why it matters / what need it meets
It meets a practical need: applied, up-to-date knowledge in ecology, useful in areas such as arable and vegetable farming, agronomy and crop advisory services, regenerative and organic agriculture, agricultural extension.
Mycology is moving fast and good practical training is still scarce. This program gives you a structured path, taught live by people who work in the field, so you can apply what you learn with judgment and safety.
Objectives and competences
3.1General objective
To finish the program able to apply its content professionally and with judgment. In short:
How mycorrhizal fungi support crop nutrition, water uptake and soil structure, and how farm practices can encourage them.
3.2Specific objectives
- Build the foundations: What Mycorrhizae Are and How They Work; Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Crop Plants.
- Put them into practice: Nutrient and Water Exchange in the Symbiosis; Mycorrhizae and Soil Structure.
- Apply everything to a real case: Farm Practices that Help or Harm Mycorrhizae; Assessing Mycorrhizal Colonization on the Farm.
- Complete a final project reviewed by your instructor.
3.3Competences you will gain
- Explain how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi exchange nutrients and carbon with crops.
- Identify crops that depend strongly on mycorrhizae and those that are non-hosts.
- Recognize farm practices that reduce or support mycorrhizal colonization.
- Stain crop roots and estimate colonization using a simple scoring method.
- Translate colonization results into practical rotation and fertilizer recommendations.
Student profile
4.1Who it is for (entry profile)
Farmers, agronomists and crop advisers.
4.2Entry requirements
No prior training in mycology is needed; basic familiarity with crops or farming helps. A simple microscope is useful for the root staining exercise but not compulsory.
4.3Career paths (exit profile)
- Crop adviser specializing in soil biology
- Farm manager applying biological soil management
- Agronomist in a regenerative farming program
- Field technician for soil health projects
- Extension officer for sustainable agriculture
Outcomes depend on your experience and on your local market.
Study plan
5.1Overall structure (modules and workload)
| Module | Title | Phase | Topics | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | What Mycorrhizae Are and How They Work | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 02 | Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Crop Plants | Foundations | 3 | 12 |
| 03 | Nutrient and Water Exchange in the Symbiosis | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 04 | Mycorrhizae and Soil Structure | Practice | 3 | 12 |
| 05 | Farm Practices that Help or Harm Mycorrhizae | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| 06 | Assessing Mycorrhizal Colonization on the Farm | Application & project | 3 | 12 |
| Total | 72 |
6 modules × 12 hours = 72 hours: 24 hours of live sessions, and the rest for campus study, exercises and the final project.
5.2Content by module
Hover or tap a module to follow the path from the first session to the final project. Open a module to see the topics it covers.
- Defining the mycorrhizal symbiosis
- Hyphae, arbuscules and vesicles
- Main mycorrhizal types at a glance
- Which crops host AM fungi
- Non-host crops such as brassicas and beet
- Differences in crop dependence
- Phosphorus and micronutrient uptake
- The carbon cost to the plant
- Water access during dry spells
- Hyphal networks and soil aggregates
- Glomalin-related soil proteins
- Effects on infiltration and erosion
- Tillage and network disruption
- Fertilizer and fungicide effects
- Fallows, rotations and cover crops
- Collecting and washing root samples
- Simple staining and scoring
- Interpreting results for management
5.3Company placement
This program does not include a company placement. Practice is built into every module through exercises, case studies and the final project.
5.4Final project
A field-level assessment of mycorrhizal colonization with a short management note on improving conditions for the fungi.
Methodology
6.1How it is taught
- Live online sessions, usually weekly, with a working professional and a small group.
- Recordings of every session, so you can catch up if work or time zones get in the way.
- Exercises and real case studies in every module.
- Tutoring: your instructor answers questions and gives feedback on your exercises and project.
6.2Platform and resources
A Moodle virtual campus with session recordings, readings, exercises and forums for each module. You need a computer, an up-to-date browser and a stable connection; a webcam and microphone are recommended.
Technical requirements →6.3Estimated weekly workload
About 6 hours a week for 12 weeks: one 2-hour live session on a weekday evening, plus study and exercises on the campus at your own pace.
Assessment
7.1Assessment system and weighting
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, short exercises at the end of each module and a final project reviewed by the instructor.
7.2Requirements to pass
- Complete every module, by attending the live sessions or watching the recordings.
- Hand in the module exercises.
- Have your final project approved by your instructor.
Teaching team
8.1Academic direction
At Fungaris, the Ecology school coordinates the content and quality of this program. The academic director of each intake is named in the intake guide.
8.2Faculty
Taught by professionals who work in the field. The instructor for each intake is confirmed before the start.
Meet our faculty →Certificate
9.1Certificate awarded
Course Certificate
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognizes them depends on that organization and on local rules in each country.
9.2Issuing body / recognition
Issued by Fungaris (operated by Nexora Generation, S.L.) as a digital certificate. It is a Fungaris certificate of its own: it is not an official university degree and does not award ECTS credits.
About our certificates →Admission and enrollment
10.1Admission process (steps)
- Send your request through the form or write to admissions.
- Admissions reviews your profile and confirms the start date, the session schedule and the fee.
- You secure your place with full payment or a 40% reservation.
- You receive your campus access and welcome guide before the first session.
10.2Documents required
- A valid identity document.
- Contact and billing details (personal or company).
10.3Deadlines
Enrollment for the intake starting on January 11, 2027 is open until January 4, 2027, or until the group is full (maximum 20 students).
10.4Fee and payment options
Fee: $450
- Full payment before the start: $360 (20% reduction).
- 40% reservation ($180) and 3 monthly installments of $90.
10.5Grants, discounts and funding
Discounts: 10% for Fungaris alumni and 15% for groups of three or more people from the same organization. Discounts cannot be combined with each other or with the full-payment reduction.
Your employer can pay for the program and receive the invoice in the company name. Whether a public or employer training budget can cover the fee depends on your country, so check with them.
10.6Cancellation policy
The conditions for canceling, withdrawing or moving to a later intake are explained in our cancellation policy and in your enrollment confirmation. Nothing there limits your rights under the consumer law that applies to you.
Cancellation and refunds →Additional information
11.1Frequently asked questions
Do I need experience to study Mycorrhizal Fungi in Agriculture?
No prior training in mycology is needed; basic familiarity with crops or farming helps. A simple microscope is useful for the root staining exercise but not compulsory.
How is Mycorrhizal Fungi in Agriculture taught?
Live online, in 6 modules with a working professional, a small group and a final project.
How am I assessed?
Progress is assessed through participation in live sessions, short exercises at the end of each module and a final project reviewed by the instructor.
What is the final project?
A field-level assessment of mycorrhizal colonization with a short management note on improving conditions for the fungi.
What certificate do I get?
On completing the program and its project, Fungaris issues a Course Certificate. Fungaris certificates are the institute's own. Whether an employer, school or authority recognizes them depends on that organization and on local rules in each country.
What can I study after Mycorrhizal Fungi in Agriculture?
The natural next step is Diploma in Mycorrhizal Agriculture.
11.2Alumni testimonials
We only publish verified testimonials from real students. This program does not have any published yet; they will appear here once its first intakes finish.
11.3Admissions contact
Write to info@fungaris.institute or use the contact form. Admissions answers in your language.
Read before you start.
Keep branching.
From our species guide.
Join the next intake.
Pay in full with a 20% reduction, or reserve your place with 40% and pay the rest in monthly installments. All prices are stated in US dollars (USD).