What Is Mycorrhiza? Mycorrhiza Fertilizer Uses, Benefits & Dose Per Acre
Share
Mycorrhiza is a beneficial fungus that lives on plant roots and helps the crop absorb more phosphorus, zinc and water from the soil. Mycorrhiza fertilizer (also called VAM bio fertilizer) adds this fungus to your field so the crop builds a bigger, stronger root network. The result is better nutrient uptake, healthier plants and less wasted fertilizer.
This guide explains in simple language what mycorrhiza is, what mycorrhiza fertilizer does, which crops it suits, and the correct dose per acre.
What Is Mycorrhiza?
Mycorrhiza is a natural partnership between a fungus and a plant root. The word means "fungus-root". The fungus lives in and around the root and helps the plant pull nutrients and water from a much larger area of soil. In return, the plant gives the fungus sugars. Both sides gain, so it is called a symbiotic relationship.
The plural is mycorrhizae. This partnership is very old in nature and is found in more than 85% of crop and plant species, including almost every farm crop.
There are two main types:
- Endomycorrhiza (AM / VAM): the fungus enters the root cells. This type of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), earlier called vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM) works with most field, vegetable and fruit crops. This is the type used in farming.
- Ectomycorrhiza: the fungus stays outside the root cells. It is mainly found on forest trees, not on regular crops.
When farmers talk about mycorrhiza for crops, they mean the AM / VAM type.
What Is Mycorrhiza Fertilizer?
Mycorrhiza fertilizer is a bio fertilizer that contains living spores of beneficial mycorrhizal fungi. It is not a chemical. It is a living soil input that grows on the crop's roots after you apply it.
It usually comes as a carrier-based powder (mixed in a fine carrier material) with a stated spore count. Once in moist soil near young roots, the spores wake up, colonise the roots, and start building their thread network. From then on, the fungus keeps working season after season. It is one of the most useful bio fertilizers for long-term soil health.
How Does Mycorrhiza Work?
The fungus colonises the root and sends out very fine threads called hyphae deep into the soil. These threads are far thinner than root hairs, so they reach into tiny soil pores that roots alone cannot enter. This greatly increases the surface area for nutrient and water uptake.
Most soils already hold plenty of phosphorus, but much of it is "locked" and the plant cannot use it. Mycorrhiza releases organic acids that unlock this phosphorus and carry it along with zinc and water straight back to the plant. In exchange, the plant feeds the fungus sugars. This is why mycorrhiza is so useful in phosphorus-deficient and poor soils.
Benefits of Mycorrhiza Fertilizer
Mycorrhiza fertilizer improves both the crop and the soil. Main benefits:
- Better uptake of phosphorus, zinc and micronutrients
- Stronger, denser root growth with more root branching
- Higher water absorption and better drought tolerance
- Improved soil structure and fertility over time
- Lower dependence on chemical phosphate fertilizer
- Eco-friendly, residue-free and suitable for organic farming
Why Farmers Need Mycorrhiza: The Locked Phosphorus Problem
Many farmers apply costly DAP or other phosphate fertilizer every season but still see weak roots and a poor response. The reason is simple: a large part of the applied phosphorus gets fixed in the soil within days and the crop cannot absorb it.
Mycorrhiza fixes this. It builds a living root network that unlocks the phosphorus already sitting in your soil and improves nutrient efficiency. So the crop gets more out of the same soil and the same fertilizer naturally, and at low cost. For an all-round soil programme, many farmers pair it with a NPK Consortia bio fertilizer and a nitrogen fixer like Azotobacter.
Which Crops Can Use Mycorrhiza?
Mycorrhiza fertilizer is suitable for almost all crops. This includes vegetables, fruits, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, plantation crops and nursery plants. It is especially helpful in phosphorus-poor soils and for transplanted crops, where strong early root growth decides the final yield.
Mycorrhiza Fertilizer Dose Per Acre
The correct dose depends on the form of the product and its spore count. A higher spore count needs a lower quantity. For a carrier-based powder like Krishikranti Myrizza mycorrhiza bio fertilizer, the general guidance is below. Always follow the dose printed on your pack.
| Application Method | Dose | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| Soil application | 4–10 kg / acre | Mix with 100–200 kg FYM or compost, broadcast in the root zone at sowing or transplanting, then irrigate |
*Exact dose depends on your pack's formulation and spore count (IP / CFU). Always follow the label dose.
How to Use Mycorrhiza for Best Results
Apply mycorrhiza in moist soil at sowing, transplanting or the early crop stage when young white roots are forming. This is when the fungus colonises roots most easily.
- Keep the soil moist after application so the spores can colonise the roots.
- Do not mix it with chemical fungicides at the time of application this can kill the living fungi.
- Place it in the root zone, not on the surface.
- Store in a cool, dry place and use before the expiry date.
To push root and soil health further, mycorrhiza works well with organic inputs such as Kala Amrit humic + fulvic acid and a seaweed extract growth promoter.
Mycorrhiza vs PSB: What's the Difference?
Farmers often confuse mycorrhiza with PSB (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria). Both improve phosphorus, but they are not the same.
PSB is a bacteria that dissolves locked phosphorus in the soil, making it available near the root.Mycorrhiza is a fungus that physically extends the root system and carries phosphorus, zinc and water back to the plant from far in the soil.
They work on different mechanisms, so they work best together. Using PSB bio fertilizer alongside mycorrhiza gives a stronger phosphorus response than either one alone. For zinc-deficient soils, you can also add ZSB zinc solubilizing bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is mycorrhiza?
Mycorrhiza is a beneficial fungus that lives on plant roots and helps the plant absorb more phosphorus, zinc and water from the soil.
What is mycorrhiza fertilizer used for?
It is used to improve root growth, nutrient uptake and soil health in all crops, and to reduce dependence on chemical phosphate fertilizer.
What is the dose of mycorrhiza fertilizer per acre?
For carrier-based powder, the general dose is 4–10 kg per acre mixed with FYM or compost. Always follow the dose on the product label.
On which crops can I use mycorrhiza?
It is suitable for almost all crops vegetables, fruits, cereals, pulses, oilseeds, plantation and nursery crops.
When should I apply mycorrhiza?
Apply at sowing, transplanting or the early crop stage, in moist soil, for the best root colonisation.
Is mycorrhiza safe for organic farming?
Yes. It is a natural, eco-friendly, residue-free bio fertilizer suitable for organic farming.
Can I use mycorrhiza and PSB together?
Yes. PSB dissolves locked phosphorus and mycorrhiza carries it to the plant, so the two work well together.
Related Products & Guides
Buy mycorrhiza: Krishikranti Myrizza Mycorrhiza Bio Fertilizer.
Works well with: PSB – Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria, NPK Consortia Bio Fertilizer, Azotobacter Nitrogen-Fixing Bio Fertilizer, ZSB – Zinc Solubilizing Bacteria.
For roots & soil health: Kala Amrit Humic + Fulvic Acid, Seaweed Extract Growth Promoter.
Shop by category: Bio Fertilizers | All Organic Products.
Read next: Seaweed fertilizer uses and benefits | Rice fertilizer dose per acre.
