How is the mycorrhizal association helpful in the absorption of water and minerals in plants?

(N/A) Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association of fungi with the root systems of some plants.
The fungal hyphae form a dense network around the young roots or penetrate the root cells.
The large surface area of the fungal hyphae significantly increases the absorption of water and minerals from the soil.
In return,the fungi receive sugar and nitrogenous compounds from the host plants.
This association is often obligate; for example,$Pinus$ seeds cannot germinate or establish themselves in the absence of mycorrhiza.