Integration of mycorrhiza hyphae into organic fertilizer granules on the growth of sugarcane crops

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizae fungi (AMF) are important for tropical soils where soil phosphorus (P) availability is low so that plants can use P with higher efficiency. AMF can increase the P concentration in the plant root area, by releasing the bonds of fixed P into available P. One of the obstacles in utilizing AMF fertilizer is the limited availability of AMF inoculant in the form of AMF spores. In addition, AMF spore production takes a long time. AMF in the form of hyphae is an alternative as an inoculant because it has a faster infection capacity than AMF spores and does not break apart like AMF spores when made in the form of granular organic biofertilizer. The aim of this research was to analyze the effectiveness of various doses of AMF hyphae granule organic fertilizer on sugarcane plants. This research was conducted using a randomized block design. The treatment doses used were control (without AMF), 750 kg/ha, 1000 kg/ha, 1500 kg/ha, and 2000 kg/ha AMF hyphae granule organic fertilizer which was repeated five times. The results of the research showed that the application of AMF hyphae granule organic fertilizer at a dose of 1500 kg/ha could increase plant height, stem diameter, number of tillers and root infections of sugarcane plants. The P status of sugarcane plants increased from medium to high with a plant P content of 0.442% P2O5. This effect was seen more clearly in sugarcane plants grown in the field than grown in the greenhouse.