ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI (AMF)

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TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: In a recent Swiss study, researchers mixed Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) into soil, prior to sowing, at 800 trial plots on 54 maize farms.

EXPLANATION:

• The findings from the large-scale field study on mycorrhizal fungi and their impact on maize crop yields bring forth a revolutionary stride in sustainable agriculture and food production methods.
• The study focused on the integration of Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) into soil prior to maize sowing.
• These fungi naturally inhabit healthy soil and establish a symbiotic relationship with plant roots, forming arbuscules that enhance the root system’s surface area.
• This process significantly amplifies nutrient uptake, thereby promoting improved crop health and yield.

Yield Enhancement and Soil Health:

• A remarkable outcome of the study was the substantial yield improvement, up to 40%, witnessed in a quarter of the trial plots.
• However, intriguingly, about one-third of the plots did not exhibit substantial yield increases.
• This observation prompted researchers to investigate further, revealing that the fungi’s efficacy was optimal in soils already harbouring high concentrations of fungal pathogens.
• This discovery implies that AMF serve as a defense mechanism, protecting crops from pathogenic attacks and subsequently maintaining yields in fields prone to such threats.

Role of Fungi in Nutrient Uptake and Pathogen Defense:

• The AMF not only enhance nutrient absorption but also act as a frontline defense against soil-borne pathogens that can significantly diminish crop yields.
• Their presence in fields with pathogen contamination helped sustain yields that would have otherwise suffered, while their impact was less pronounced in fields without such threats.
• This dual role—facilitating nutrient uptake and defending against pathogens—positions these fungi as essential contributors to crop health and productivity.

Predictive Analysis and Soil Microbiome Indicators:

• A significant aspect of this study was the utilization of soil microbiome indicators to predict plant growth variations with an impressive 86% accuracy before sowing.
• This predictive ability enables the targeted application of AMF in fields where they are most likely to be effective, laying the foundation for the development of reliable agricultural methodologies.

Implications for Sustainable Agriculture:

• This breakthrough in utilizing AMF to enhance crop yields without relying on intensive pesticide and fertilizer use holds tremendous promise for sustainable agriculture.
• Considering the alarming degradation of global soil reported by the United Nations, this discovery signifies a potential solution to address food production challenges without exacerbating soil degradation.

Challenges and Future Prospects:

• Despite the promising outcomes, challenges persist in efficiently implementing this technique on a larger commercial scale.
• Addressing how to effectively disseminate and apply these fungi remains a significant consideration for future agricultural practices.
• In conclusion, the study’s findings underscore the transformative potential of mycorrhizal fungi in revolutionizing agricultural practices, offering a glimpse into a more sustainable future for global food production.

SOURCE: https://newatlas.com/science/fungi-boost-crop-yield/