1. What is Glomalin?
Glomalin is a glycoprotein which is substancially and exclusively formed on the surface of spores and hyphae of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Hence, it is specific to AMF. It is not formed by other soil fungi. It was discovered by WRIGHT and UPADHYAYA in 1996. It is not soluble in water, resists heat and is hydrophobic in all its stages. The structure is as yet unknown. It appears that it contains iron and some N-binding oligosaccharides. Based on the method of chemical extraction from soils, "easy extractable Glomalin" and "total Glomalin" are differentiated. Glomalin reacts to monoclonal antibodies (MAb32b11) which were built as a reaction to spores of the VAM fungus Glomus intraradices- hence, Glomalin can be measured using ELISA tests.
It is known that the Glomalin content of most soils is closely correlated with "water stable aggregates". Exceptions are Calcisols in which lime also aggregates soil particles, in addition to Glomalin. Glomalin also correlates good with the soil organic matter content but not with other soil parameter.
Newer research work showed that the Glomalin content in soils is associated with the extraradical hyphae of AM fungi. Glomalin exuded by the hyphae glues soil particles together so that stable soil aggregates are formed. The glycoprotein, and thus the effect on the soil aggregates, can be very persistent - turnover times of 6-42 years were calculated. It appears clear that such effects are of great significance for the soil structure with all the positive long term effects for the soil fertility through an intensive mycorrhization and mycelium formation in roots and soils. Benefits are water infiltration, soil airation, water holding capacity, amount of available water, soil errosion control, soil microbial activity and activity of soil fauna.
Science is just at the beginning to understand the importance and the beneficial effects of Glomalin for the soil fertility. All products of the BioMyc™ International Corporation contain in a substancial amount the VAM fungus Glomus intraradices from which Glomalin was isolated the first time. Hence, our products will increase, via the VAM fungus, the soil stability and will sustainably improve soil fertility.
2. Literature
Wright, S.F., Upadhyaya, A. (1996): Extraction of an abundant and unusual protein from soil and comparison with hyphal protein of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Soil Sci. 161(9): 575-586.