According to Gram Research analysis, maize fields in Northwest Ethiopia contain nearly four times more beneficial soil fungi than teff fields, 112.67 spores per 100 grams of soil compared to 30 spores. A 2026 research article found that common farming practices reduce these helpful fungi compared to untouched soil, suggesting that gentler agricultural methods could improve natural soil fertility and crop productivity.
Researchers in Northwest Ethiopia discovered that the type of crop you grow dramatically affects the helpful fungi living in your soil. These fungi, called arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), act like tiny helpers that make it easier for plants to absorb nutrients from the soil. The study found that maize fields had nearly four times more of these beneficial fungi compared to teff fields. Surprisingly, untouched control areas had even more fungi than farmed land. The findings suggest that common farming practices might be harming these helpful soil organisms, which could affect long-term crop productivity and soil health.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research article published in PLOS ONE found that maize croplands in Northwest Ethiopia contained 112.67 arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores per 100 grams of dry soil, compared to only 30 spores in teff croplands, a difference of nearly 400 percent.
According to the 2026 study, untouched control soil areas contained 63.33 beneficial fungal spores per 100 grams on average, significantly higher than the average of 47.59 spores found in actively farmed croplands, suggesting farming practices reduce these helpful soil organisms.
The research identified 14 different types of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi across the study sites, with Acaulospora myricarpa and Pacispora franciscana identified as the dominant species in Northwest Ethiopian soils.
Farm and soil fertility management practices decreased both the population density and species diversity of beneficial soil fungi in the study, indicating that conventional farming approaches may harm long-term soil health.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: How different types of crops and farming practices affect the population and variety of beneficial fungi living in soil
- Who participated: Soil samples collected from teff and maize croplands across multiple districts in Northwest Ethiopia, with control samples from undisturbed areas
- Key finding: Maize fields contained 112.67 beneficial fungal spores per 100 grams of soil, compared to only 30 spores in teff fields, nearly four times higher. However, untouched control areas had the most fungi overall at 63.33 spores per 100 grams
- What it means for you: If you farm in similar climates, the crop you choose affects your soil’s natural fertility helpers. Maintaining these fungi through gentler farming practices could improve soil health and crop yields without extra fertilizer, though more research is needed to confirm best practices
The Research Details
Scientists collected soil samples from teff and maize farms across different districts in Northwest Ethiopia. They also collected samples from control areas that hadn’t been farmed. From each soil sample, they carefully extracted the fungal spores, tiny reproductive units of the fungi, counted them under a microscope, and identified which species were present. This allowed them to compare how many fungi lived in different crop types and farming conditions.
The researchers used statistical analysis to determine whether the differences they found were real or just due to chance. They looked at variations across different districts, different locations within districts, and between the two crop types. This systematic approach helped them understand which factors most strongly influenced the fungal populations.
Understanding how crops affect soil fungi is crucial because these fungi form partnerships with plant roots, helping them absorb nutrients that would otherwise be unavailable. In developing agricultural regions like Ethiopia, where farmers may have limited access to expensive fertilizers, maintaining healthy fungal populations could naturally boost soil fertility. This research helps identify which farming practices support or harm these beneficial organisms.
This study was published in PLOS ONE, a peer-reviewed scientific journal, which means other experts reviewed the methods before publication. The researchers used standard laboratory techniques for extracting and identifying fungi. However, the study doesn’t specify the exact number of soil samples collected, which makes it harder to assess the statistical power. The findings are specific to Northwest Ethiopia’s climate and soil conditions, so results may differ in other regions.
What the Results Show
The research revealed striking differences in fungal populations between crop types. Maize fields had the highest average fungal spore density at 112.67 spores per 100 grams of dry soil, while teff fields had only 30 spores per 100 grams, a difference of nearly 400 percent. When averaged across all maize farms, the density was 66 spores per 100 grams, compared to just 30 spores in teff farms.
Interestingly, the control areas (untouched soil) had 63.33 spores per 100 grams on average, which was higher than the overall average for farmed land at 47.59 spores. This suggests that farming activities, on average, reduce the number of beneficial fungi in soil. The variation was statistically significant, meaning these differences were unlikely to occur by chance.
The researchers identified 14 different types of fungi belonging to three main groups. Two species dominated: Acaulospora myricarpa and Pacispora franciscana. The diversity of fungal species also varied between crop types, with maize supporting greater fungal variety than teff.
The study found that fungal populations varied significantly across different districts and even between sampling locations within the same district. This suggests that local soil conditions, climate variations, and specific farming practices all influence fungal communities. The presence of multiple fungal species in maize fields indicates that maize farming creates conditions supporting greater fungal diversity, which could contribute to more stable soil ecosystems.
Previous research has shown that soil management practices can either help or harm beneficial fungi. This study aligns with existing knowledge that intensive farming often reduces fungal diversity. However, the specific finding that maize supports significantly more fungi than teff adds new information about crop-specific effects in Ethiopian farming systems. The observation that untouched soil has more fungi than farmed soil supports the broader scientific consensus that human agricultural activities generally reduce soil microbial diversity.
The study doesn’t specify the exact number of soil samples collected, making it difficult to assess statistical reliability. Results are specific to Northwest Ethiopia’s climate and soil types, so findings may not apply to other regions. The research doesn’t explain why maize supports more fungi than teff, whether it’s due to root structure, farming practices, or other factors. The study identifies what happens but doesn’t test solutions to restore fungi in teff fields. Long-term effects of different farming practices on fungal populations weren’t measured.
The Bottom Line
Farmers in similar climates should consider that crop choice affects soil fungal health. If possible, incorporate farming practices that preserve soil fungi, such as reducing tillage, maintaining crop residues, and minimizing chemical inputs. However, these recommendations are based on observational data, not experimental trials testing specific interventions. More research is needed to determine which specific practices best maintain fungal populations while maintaining crop yields.
This research is most relevant to farmers in Ethiopia and similar climates growing teff or maize. Agricultural extension workers and soil scientists in developing regions should consider these findings when advising on sustainable farming. Policymakers focused on food security and soil conservation would benefit from this information. The findings are less directly applicable to farmers in very different climates or growing different crops, though the general principles may transfer.
Changes in soil fungal populations likely occur gradually over seasons and years. Farmers implementing new practices shouldn’t expect immediate yield improvements. Soil health benefits typically become noticeable over 2-3 growing seasons as fungal populations adjust. Long-term benefits for soil fertility and climate resilience would develop over years of consistent practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and why do they matter for farming?
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are microscopic organisms that live in soil and form partnerships with plant roots. They help plants absorb nutrients, especially phosphorus and other minerals that are hard for roots to reach alone. Healthy fungal populations can reduce the need for expensive fertilizers and improve crop yields naturally.
Why does maize have more beneficial fungi than teff?
The study found maize fields had four times more fungi, but didn’t explain why. Possible reasons include differences in root structure, how the crops are farmed, or soil conditions preferred by these fungi. More research is needed to understand the specific mechanisms behind this difference.
How can farmers maintain more beneficial fungi in their soil?
The study suggests that farming practices reduce fungal populations compared to untouched soil. Farmers might maintain more fungi by reducing tillage, leaving crop residues in fields, and minimizing chemical inputs. However, specific best practices for teff farming need further research and testing.
Will changing farming practices immediately improve my crop yields?
Soil changes happen gradually. Farmers shouldn’t expect immediate yield improvements. Benefits typically become noticeable over 2-3 growing seasons as soil fungal populations adjust and soil health improves. Long-term sustainability gains develop over years of consistent practice.
Can these findings apply to farming in other countries or climates?
This research is specific to Northwest Ethiopia’s climate and soil conditions. While the general principle that crop type affects soil fungi likely applies elsewhere, the specific findings may not transfer directly to very different regions. Local research would help determine if similar patterns exist in other areas.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track monthly soil health indicators: count visible earthworms per shovel of soil, monitor crop yield per field, and note any changes in soil texture or water retention. Compare these metrics between fields using different farming practices over a full growing season.
- If farming maize, document current fungal-supporting practices (tillage frequency, chemical use, crop residue management). Identify one practice to modify, such as reducing tillage or leaving more crop residue, and track its impact on soil appearance and crop performance over the next two seasons.
- Create a field journal tracking: crop type, farming practices used, visual soil quality observations, and yield results. Compare fields side-by-side using different approaches. Take soil samples annually from the same locations to monitor changes. Share observations with local agricultural extension services to contribute to regional knowledge.
This research describes observations about soil fungi in Northwest Ethiopia and should not be interpreted as medical advice. While the findings suggest that farming practices affect beneficial soil organisms, individual farmers should consult with local agricultural extension services before making significant changes to their farming methods. Results are specific to Ethiopian conditions and may not apply to other regions. This article summarizes scientific research but does not constitute professional agricultural or soil management advice. Farmers should conduct small-scale trials before implementing major practice changes.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.
