Liz Koziol
University of Kansas
Dr. Liz Koziol, a distinguished plant-microbe ecologist at the Kansas Biological Survey within the University of Kansas, USA, seamlessly combines roles as a researcher, museum curator, and small business owner, with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi being the unifying thread that ties her diverse roles together. Over two decades, Liz has conducted extensive research and led mycorrhizal trials in diverse landscapes, including native grasslands and cropping systems. Collaboration is fundamental to Liz's approach, integrating her research into conservation projects, providing crucial evidence for conservation planning. She has cultivated partnerships with organizations like the Land Institute and local farms, exploring mycorrhizal applications in organic agriculture. Her work in applied microbiology holds significant potential for biodiversity restoration in grasslands.
As an associate curator of the renowned International Collection of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi at the University of Kansas, Liz oversees the world's largest collection, with over 1,000 unique isolates. Her curatorship reflects her expertise and dedication to advancing our understanding of these fungi. Additionally, Liz leads MycoBloom LLC, providing native mycorrhizal fungi isolates for gardening, agriculture, and ecosystem restoration. Through her endeavors, Liz leads in mycorrhizal ecology research and practical applications.
Abstract:
Native Mycorrhizal Fungi in Action Across Ecosystems
Native arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have demonstrated superior benefits over commercial alternatives in both ecological restoration and agricultural systems. Liz’s research investigates the efficacy of native AM fungi applications across various settings, emphasizing their role in promoting plant growth, nutrient uptake, and plant community diversity.
In tallgrass prairie restorations, the long-term impacts of native AM fungi inoculation were assessed seven years after inoculation with increasing densities of native AM fungi. Native fungi significantly enhanced late successional plant establishment, reduced non-native species, and increased biodiversity by 20%. In agricultural trials at organic farms in Lawrence, KS, native AM fungi were compared to commercial inoculants across multiple crops, including tomatoes, peppers, carrots, lettuce, and sorghum. Results showed native fungi improved crop growth by 4-10% in the field, while commercial inoculants were often unviable even under highly controlled greenhouse settings. Together, these results advocate for integrating native mycorrhizal inoculants in both restoration and agricultural practices to improve ecosystem health and sustainability.
Finally, leveraging her experiences with MycoBloom, her native fungi startup, and insights gained from industry collaborations and her role as associate curator of INVAM, Liz will provide a perspective on the evolving landscape of mycorrhizal applications and the commercial inoculant industry.
My Sessions
Native mycorrhizal fungi in action across ecosystems
-
Presentation
Auditorium