# Effects of Powdered and Granular AMF on Maize Growth Under Low Fertilizer Conditions

## TL;DR

This study shows that using arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in powder or granular form can boost maize growth and profits while reducing fertilizer use.

## Contribution

The novel contribution is comparing powder and granular AMF formulations under reduced fertilizer conditions for their agronomic and economic impacts.

## Key findings

- AMF powder at 50% fertilizer reduction increased maize yield by 14.67% with 85.3% root colonization.
- Granular AMF at 75% fertilizer reduction provided a 7.18% yield gain through sustained symbiosis.
- AMF suppressed Fusarium by 42% and enriched beneficial fungi like Mortierellomycota.

## Abstract

Excessive fertilizer use drives soil degradation and resource waste. This study investigates how arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) formulations (powder vs. granular) optimize maize (Zea mays L.) yield, soil microbiome, and economic benefits under 50% and 75% fertilizer reduction. Field trials showed that the AMF powder formulation under 50% fertilizer reduction (AP50) increased maize yield by 14.67%. This increase was associated with rapid root colonization (85.3%), enhanced phosphorus availability, and the recruitment of beneficial fungi such as Mortierellomycota. Granular formulation at 75% reduction (AG75) achieved 7.18% yield gain via sustained symbiosis. Fungal communities exhibited greater sensitivity to fertilization than bacteria (Chao1, p = 0.0094), with AMF suppressing Fusarium by 42% while enriching functional taxa (Actinobacteria, Mortierellomycota). Economic analysis confirms that AP50 (30,435 CNY/ha) and AG75 (26,954 CNY/ha) yield higher net profits, where CNY denotes Chinese Yuan. Powder formulations maximize immediate benefits in medium- to low-fertility soils, whereas granules support long-term soil health in high-organic systems, providing a precision strategy for sustainable agriculture.