Swiss researchers have discovered that inoculating soil with mycorrhizal fungi can significantly enhance crop yields without the need for additional fertilizers or pesticides. In a large-scale field trial across 54 maize farms in Switzerland, the researchers found that plant yield increased by up to 40% when mycorrhizal fungi were mixed into the soil. However, it is important to note that the effectiveness of the fungi varied, with no yield increase or even a decrease observed in some plots. The researchers determined that the inoculation worked best in soil with a high presence of fungal pathogens, as the fungi acted as a protective shield against these pathogens. By analyzing soil indicators, the success of the inoculation could be predicted, offering the potential for targeted use of the fungi in fields with optimal conditions. This study represents a significant advancement towards more sustainable agriculture. Further research is needed to determine the most effective method of spreading the fungi over large areas.
https://phys.org/news/2023-11-inoculating-soil-mycorrhizal-fungi-yield.html