Large scale validation of an am fungal-based biofertilizer and its management with rhizobium for bean production, in central and western cuba

Abstract

Forty workshops were given to teach farmers how to improve fertilizer use efficiency in bean through the use of biofertilizers. Experiments were set up in 50 fields on commercial farms. Two treatments were applied in all fields: coating of bean seeds with an inoculant of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (EcoMic®) and a non-inoculated control. In 15 fields, a third treatment, EcoMic ® plus a rhizobial inoculant with a nodulation enhancement factor (Azofert®), was applied. All field received half the recommended rate of N-P-K. The effect of EcoMic® was positive in all fields. Yield increase ranged between 0.2 and 0.4 t ha-1. The combined application of EcoMic ® and Azofert® yield was additive and averaged about 0.58 t ha-1, an increment corresponding to 52.5% yield increase.