A fungus native to south-west Western Australia may offer a biological way to help crops reach phosphorus already present in soil. University of Western Australia and DPIRD researchers, supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, are investigating its potential as a crop biofertiliser.
Residual phosphorus is a large but difficult resource
Phosphorus fertiliser supports crop production, yet much of the nutrient can become bound to soil particles, organic matter or metals and therefore unavailable to roots. Repeated applications can leave a substantial residual phosphorus bank that crops cannot readily use.
The native fungus, Austroboletus occidentalis, evolved in nutrient-poor jarrah forest soils. Researchers report that it has improved crop growth, phosphorus nutrition and grain yield in controlled environments and field conditions, while also showing potential to support stress tolerance.
The work is promising, but still developmental
The project is exploring how the fungus interacts with crops and how it might be formulated and used as a practical biofertiliser. The long-term goal is to reduce synthetic phosphorus inputs, costs and environmental impacts without sacrificing production.
Early results do not yet establish a ready-to-use replacement for fertiliser across broadacre systems. Crop response, soil conditions, product formulation, field consistency and economics all require further testing before widespread adoption.
Read the original report: Farm Weekly.