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Fungi as Bio-Fertilisers: Applications of Microbial Interactions in Sustainable Agriculture

Introduction

Fungi play a crucial role in soil fertility, plant growth, and nutrient cycling. As the demand for sustainable agriculture increases, fungi-based bio-fertilisers have emerged as an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemical fertilizers. These beneficial microorganisms enhance nutrient availability, improve soil health, and support crop productivity through powerful microbial interactions.

This article explores the importance, mechanisms, and applications of fungi as bio-fertilisers, with a focus on modern agricultural practices.

What Are Fungal Bio-Fertilisers?

Fungal bio-fertilisers are natural formulations containing living fungi that colonize plant roots or soil to improve nutrient absorption and promote plant growth. They support biological processes that enhance soil fertility without harming the environment.

Common Beneficial Fungi in Bio-Fertilisation:

  • Mycorrhizal fungi (AMF – Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi)

  • Trichoderma species

  • Ectomycorrhizal fungi

  • Phosphate-solubilising fungi (Aspergillus, Penicillium)

  • Endophytic fungi

How Fungi Act as Bio-Fertilisers

1. Mycorrhizal Symbiosis

Mycorrhizal fungi form mutualistic relationships with plant roots, extending their hyphal network into the soil.

Benefits include:

  • Increased uptake of phosphorus, nitrogen, and micronutrients

  • Improved water absorption

  • Enhanced root system development

  • Increased tolerance to drought, salinity, and soil stress

2. Phosphate Solubilisation

Certain fungi secrete organic acids that dissolve insoluble phosphate minerals, making phosphorus available to plants.

Examples: Aspergillus niger, Penicillium bilaii

3. Organic Matter Decomposition

Fungi produce enzymes such as:

  • Cellulases

  • Ligninases

  • Proteases

These enzymes break down complex organic matter into bioavailable nutrients.

4. Disease Suppression

Trichoderma spp. act as biocontrol agents by:

  • Competing with plant pathogens

  • Producing antifungal compounds

  • Inducing plant defense responses

5. Soil Structure Improvement

Fungal hyphae bind soil particles together, increasing:

  • Soil aeration

  • Water retention

  • Aggregation stability

Applications of Fungal Bio-Fertilisers in Agriculture

1. Crop Production

Used extensively in:

  • Cereals (wheat, rice, maize)

  • Legumes

  • Vegetables

  • Fruit trees

Mycorrhizal inoculation increases yield and reduces fertilizer dependence.

2. Reforestation & Forestry

Ectomycorrhizal fungi support tree establishment in degraded soils.

3. Organic Farming

Fungi-based bio-fertilisers are key components of organic certification protocols.

4. Soil Restoration

Fungi rehabilitate:

  • Polluted soils

  • Saline lands

  • Over-farmed areas

5. Greenhouse & Hydroponic Systems

Inoculation improves nutrient dynamics and root health.

Advantages of Using Fungi as Bio-Fertilisers

Environmental Benefits

  • Reduce chemical fertilizer usage

  • Lower greenhouse gas emissions

  • Protect soil biodiversity

Agronomic Benefits

  • Increase crop productivity

  • Improve nutrient cycling

  • Enhance plant resilience

Economic Benefits

  • Lower input costs

  • Higher long-term soil productivity

Challenges and Considerations

While promising, fungal bio-fertilisers require careful handling:

  • Sensitivity to temperature and storage conditions

  • Soil pH can affect fungal activity

  • Overuse of fungicides decreases effectiveness

  • Not all fungi form associations with all plant species

Proper inoculation methods and environmental compatibility are essential.

Conclusion

Fungi as bio-fertilisers represent one of the most powerful and sustainable tools in modern agriculture. Through synergistic microbial interactions, beneficial fungi enhance nutrient uptake, improve soil structure, boost plant resilience, and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers. Their applications are expanding rapidly as farming shifts toward eco-friendly solutions.