In-furrow application of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi propagules enhanced yields, plant vigor, and biomass accumulation of soybeans (Glycine max) and maize (Zea mays)

Abstract

Highly weathered soils are commonly found in most crops cultivation sites of Brazil, such as maize and soybean. They impose many challenges for plant growth, such as reduced nutrient availability. Hyphal networks, resulting from mutualistic symbiotic associations between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), could be a viable alternative to improve plant growth and nutrition by enhancing root access to a significantly larger soil surface area, increasing nutrient availability and uptake. Thus, we aimed at evaluating in-furrow applications of propagules from four AMF species to enhance soybeans and maize yields, plant vigor, plant height, and biomass accumulation. Thereby, four soybeans and six maize field trials were conducted in the 2018/2019 growing season in Brazil in different environments. Two EndoMaxx SC rates (150 or 300 ml ha-1) were tested, with or without P fertilization during sowing. Results indicated that both rates positively impacted all variables analyzed, regardless of crop species and P fertilization. Even in the absence of P fertilization, AMF-colonized soybeans and maize treatments were either significantly higher or similar to the untreated control. Moreover, crop yield was 2.6-9.1% more when the highest rate of AMF was applied in combination with P fertilization compared to the P-fertilized untreated control. In-furrow EndoMaxx SC applications are an alternative to increase the sustainability of soybean and maize production, especially in a scenario, in which yield must be maximized in the coming decades to supply food for the exponentially growing population without expanding cultivations to new sites.