Naturally occurring soil fungi could boost rice yields while reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers

Field trials in India show that bio-fertilizers containing naturally occurring soil fungi enhance growth in rice plants. This may offer a pathway to reducing farmers' reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in rice farming. The trials, led by researchers at the University of Cambridge in partnership with U.K. rice brand Tilda and basmati farmers in India, tested fungi-based bio-fertilizers under real farming conditions.