Investigating the effect of mycorrhizal treatment on other crops

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 56 views

Response of Peanut Varieties to the Use of Mycorrhiza and Soil Processing

Introduction

Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) are one of the most widely cultivated legumes in the world, providing a significant source of protein and oil for human consumption. However, peanut production is often limited by factors such as soil fertility, water availability, and pest and disease pressure. In recent years, researchers have been exploring the use of mycorrhizal fungi to improve peanut yields and soil health. Mycorrhizal fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, increasing nutrient uptake and improving soil structure. In this study, we investigated the response of several peanut varieties to the use of mycorrhizae in various ways of processing soil.

Background

Peanuts are typically grown in well-draining soils with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. However, in regions with poor soil fertility, peanut yields can be significantly reduced. Mycorrhizal fungi have been shown to improve soil fertility by increasing nutrient uptake and improving soil structure. In addition, mycorrhizal fungi can help to reduce soil erosion and improve water retention. In this study, we evaluated the effect of mycorrhizal treatment on several peanut varieties grown in ultisol soils.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted on the BPP Land of the Medan City Agriculture Office, Selambo Amplas, North Sumatra, in the period February to May 2008. The experimental design used a separate plot method (RPT) with three replications, involving mycorrhizal treatment consisting of control (without mycorrhizae) and the application of mycorrhiza as much as 5 g per planting hole. The soil treatment methods tested included without soil (no tillage), limited soil treatment (minimum tillage), and perfect soil treatment (full tillage). The varieties tested consisted of local varieties, elephant varieties, and deer varieties.

Results and Discussion

The results showed that the addition of as many as 5 g of mycorrhiza per planting hole to the ultisol soil made a positive contribution to the weight of 100 heaviest dry seeds. In addition, this treatment also increases the degree of root infection and phosphorus nutrient absorption (P) in plant tissue. Without mycorrhizae, plants that are fully processed produces heavier dry weights. This shows that the use of mycorrhizae can increase the availability of nutrients in the soil which is very important for plant growth.

Perfect soil processing, which is done twice with a reversal once, apparently also has a significant effect on plant growth. This method is able to increase the leaf area, the heaviest plant dry weight, accelerate the age of flowering, and increase the amount of flowers formed. These results indicate that good soil treatment techniques can optimize the growth of peanuts, while increasing crop yields.

In terms of varieties, elephant varieties show the best performance with more primary branches, larger leaves, the heaviest dry weight, and faster flowering age. Meanwhile, the mouse deer variety produces the number of ginofor that is not the least pods, which shows the potential for this variety in producing high quality seeds.

Conclusion

This study emphasized the importance of using mycorrhiza and appropriate soil treatment methods in increasing agricultural output, especially in peanut varieties. Mycorrhiza not only increases growth and yield, but also contributes to increasing nutrient availability in the soil. In addition, the selection of appropriate varieties, such as elephant varieties, can have a positive impact in increasing the productivity of peanuts in ultisol soils. Therefore, land management strategies involving mycorrhizal applications and the selection of appropriate varieties are highly recommended to improve agricultural output in the region.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, we recommend the following:

Use of mycorrhizae: Mycorrhizal fungi can be used to improve soil fertility and increase peanut yields. The application of mycorrhiza as much as 5 g per planting hole can be effective in increasing the weight of 100 heaviest dry seeds.
Soil treatment methods: Perfect soil processing, which is done twice with a reversal once, can be effective in increasing leaf area, heaviest plant dry weight, accelerating the age of flowering, and increasing the amount of flowers formed.
Variety selection: Elephant varieties show the best performance in terms of growth and yield. Therefore, the selection of this variety can have a positive impact in increasing the productivity of peanuts in ultisol soils.

Future Research Directions

This study provides valuable insights for farmers and researchers in optimizing peanut farming by utilizing mycorrhiza and effective soil treatment techniques. Future research directions include:

Investigating the effect of mycorrhizal treatment on other crops: Mycorrhizal fungi can be used to improve soil fertility and increase yields of other crops. Therefore, investigating the effect of mycorrhizal treatment on other crops can provide valuable insights for farmers and researchers.
Developing new soil treatment methods: Perfect soil processing is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. Therefore, developing new soil treatment methods that are more efficient and effective can be beneficial for farmers and researchers.
Investigating the effect of mycorrhizal treatment on soil health: Mycorrhizal fungi can help to improve soil health by increasing nutrient availability and improving soil structure. Therefore, investigating the effect of mycorrhizal treatment on soil health can provide valuable insights for farmers and researchers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mycorrhizal Fungi and Peanut Production

Q: What are mycorrhizal fungi?

A: Mycorrhizal fungi are a type of fungus that forms symbiotic relationships with plant roots. They help to increase nutrient uptake and improve soil structure, which can lead to improved plant growth and yields.

Q: How do mycorrhizal fungi benefit peanut production?

A: Mycorrhizal fungi can benefit peanut production in several ways, including:

Increasing nutrient uptake and availability
Improving soil structure and water retention
Reducing soil erosion and improving soil fertility
Increasing plant growth and yields

Q: What are the different types of mycorrhizal fungi?

A: There are several types of mycorrhizal fungi, including:

Endomycorrhizal fungi: These fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots and help to increase nutrient uptake.
Ectomycorrhizal fungi: These fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots and help to improve soil structure and water retention.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi: These fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots and help to increase nutrient uptake and improve soil fertility.

Q: How do I apply mycorrhizal fungi to my peanut crop?

A: Mycorrhizal fungi can be applied to peanut crops in several ways, including:

Inoculating seeds with mycorrhizal fungi before planting
Applying mycorrhizal fungi to the soil as a foliar spray or soil drench
Incorporating mycorrhizal fungi into the soil through composting or other soil amendments

Q: What are the benefits of using mycorrhizal fungi in peanut production?

A: The benefits of using mycorrhizal fungi in peanut production include:

Increased yields and improved plant growth
Improved soil fertility and structure
Reduced soil erosion and improved water retention
Increased resistance to pests and diseases

Q: Are there any potential risks or drawbacks to using mycorrhizal fungi in peanut production?

A: While mycorrhizal fungi can be beneficial for peanut production, there are some potential risks and drawbacks to consider, including:

Over-reliance on mycorrhizal fungi, which can lead to reduced plant diversity and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases
Potential for mycorrhizal fungi to outcompete other beneficial microorganisms in the soil
Need for careful management and application to avoid over-application or under-application of mycorrhizal fungi

Q: How do I choose the right type of mycorrhizal fungi for my peanut crop?

A: Choosing the right type of mycorrhizal fungi for your peanut crop will depend on several factors, including:

The specific needs and requirements of your peanut crop
The type of soil and climate you are growing in
The level of nutrient availability and soil fertility
The level of pest and disease pressure

Q: Can I use mycorrhizal fungi in combination with other soil amendments or fertilizers?

A: Yes, mycorrhizal fungi can be used in combination with other soil amendments or fertilizers to improve soil fertility and plant growth. However, it is essential to carefully manage and apply these products to avoid over-application or under-application.

Q: How do I monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of mycorrhizal fungi in my peanut crop?

A: Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of mycorrhizal fungi in your peanut crop can be done through several methods, including:

Measuring plant growth and yields
Assessing soil fertility and structure
Monitoring for pests and diseases
Conducting soil tests and analysis to evaluate nutrient availability and soil health.