Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation for sustainable rice production and nitrate reduction

Overview

This research initiative investigates the combined effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculation and alternative rice production systems on crop productivity and environmental outcomes. The project focuses on comparing aerobic rice cultivation and the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) against conventional flooded paddy systems, using both commercial AMF products and native AMF isolates collected from rice-producing regions of Nepal.

The core value proposition is the potential to enhance rice yields while reducing nitrogen losses to the environment through improved nitrogen use efficiency. By identifying the most effective combinations of AMF strains and production systems, this work aims to support more sustainable rice cultivation practices that benefit farmers, reduce fertilizer inputs, and minimize nitrate leaching into waterways.

Technical specifications

Research approach:

• Evaluation of native AMF isolates sourced from different rice production zones of Nepal alongside commercial AMF inoculants
• Testing across three production systems: aerobic rice, SRI, and conventional flooded paddy
• Greenhouse screening of AMF isolates for performance under low nitrogen conditions
• Simulated paddy production systems with controlled environmental variables
• Arduino-based automated soil moisture sensors for precision irrigation management
• Continuous NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index) monitoring for crop growth assessment
• Collection vials at pot bases to capture percolated water for nitrogen leachate analysis
• Comprehensive nitrogen budgeting to quantify inputs, uptake, and losses
• Field validation in early and main season rice production systems in Nepal

Key parameters measured:

• Rice productivity and yield components
• Nitrogen use efficiency
• Nitrogen leaching rates through soil percolation
• AMF colonization rates and effectiveness across production systems

Technology readiness level

This project is in the early-to-mid research and validation phase. Prior work by the research team demonstrated that Trichoderma inoculation performed best under SRI compared to conventional flooding, providing a basis for extending similar investigations to AMF. The current proposal outlines greenhouse validation followed by field trials in Nepalese rice-growing conditions. The technology readiness is at the proof-of-concept and applied research stage, requiring further validation before commercial deployment or widespread farmer adoption.