Some people call Mycorrhiza a bacteria, others call it a fungus. Whatever.
It is a fungus. The "myco" prefex refers to fungi.
Then there are the bacteria commonly referred to as Rhizobia, that fix nitrogen in the roots of legumes like peas, beans, clover and alfalfa. The package warns that the contents are only good for one season, you can't save the leftovers for next spring.
Many bacteria have a narrow temperature range in which they remain viable. So freezing temperatures may kill the bacteria.
AND I was recently reading that bacteria (all? most? some?), when they dry, don't die, they just become dormant. When they become moist again, they 'rejuvenate' and become active.
Some bacteria can produce spores and reside in a dormant stage for years, decades and even longer. Many bacteria do die when dried.
My question: if Mycorrhiza can be dried and brought 'back to life', and all/most/some bacteria can do the same, why can't the Rhizobia do the same?
They likely die when dried. Many can be dried under specific conditions in the presence of protective media, which would not be available if you tried to do so at home.
And, if they do really die after a certain period of time, is there any way to maintain or multiple them from year to year, outside of inoculating the garden bed and not letting it dry out if you don't use it during the growing season?
Many bacteria have special requirements for growing. These conditions include atmospheric, specific nutrients, growth factors and narrow temperature growth ranges. Very hard to do in the home setting.
AND..... if you sprinkle Mycorrhiza and other bacteria over a dead body, is that what makes zombies?
Of course
Pete