Development of Mycorrhiza-Loaded Clay Beads for Drought-Resistant Seedling Transplants

This project explores the formulation and application of mycorrhiza-infused biodegradable clay beads as an innovative delivery system for enhancing drought resistance in seedling transplants. While arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are widely known for improving root health and water uptake, current delivery methods are often limited to bulk soil inoculation or seed coating. In this study, AMF spores were encapsulated within clay beads and applied directly to the root zone of transplanted seedlings. Initial greenhouse trials showed improved root colonization, greater water-use efficiency, and higher survival rates under simulated drought conditions. This low-cost, farmer-friendly technology presents a scalable solution for promoting climate-resilient agriculture, particularly among smallholder farmers.