EUU Research Shows Mycorrhizal Fungi Enhance Crop Yields Sustainably

 

Montreux, [16 Oct 2023] - European Union University researchers, in collaboration with Agroscope and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), have conducted an extensive field trial demonstrating the benefits of mycorrhizal fungi for crop production. The research, conducted on 800 trial plots across 54 maize farms in northern and eastern Switzerland, revealed that the inoculation of soil with mycorrhizal fungi can substantially increase crop yields by up to 40 percent, offering a promising path towards sustainable agriculture.

 

Pathogens and Soil Health

Farmland often faces challenges from pathogens that can harm crops and reduce yields. The excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides can have detrimental effects on the environment and biodiversity. In the pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices, researchers turned to mycorrhizal fungi, beneficial organisms that aid plants in nutrient uptake. The study, led by soil ecologist Marcel van der Heijden from the University of Zurich and Agroscope, revealed that mycorrhizal fungi significantly improve crop yields in fields already contaminated with fungal pathogens.

 

A Protective Shield

The mycorrhizal fungi act as a protective shield against soil-borne pathogens, strengthening the plants and preventing yield losses. On a quarter of the trial plots, these fungi led to remarkable yield increases. However, on a third of the plots, the yield did not show significant improvement, highlighting the role of existing soil conditions. Fields with strong, healthy plants saw limited additional benefits from mycorrhizal fungi.

 

Predicting Success

One of the study's key achievements is the ability to predict the success of mycorrhizal inoculation in specific fields using soil indicators, particularly soil fungi. Researchers successfully predicted the outcome of inoculation in nine out of ten fields, including harvest yields. This predictability allows for targeted and effective use of mycorrhizal fungi in fields where they can make a significant difference, a crucial step in advancing this technology as a reliable agricultural practice.

 

Continuing Progress

While this research represents a substantial leap towards sustainable agriculture, further investigation is required to optimize the distribution of mycorrhizal fungi on a larger scale. Nonetheless, these findings hold promise for the future of agriculture, offering a sustainable solution to enhance crop yields while minimizing the use of chemicals.