The Field That Proved the Fungi: Results from Tassel Stage Trials
Every farmer has been pitched a magic bullet. So it’s no surprise that many growers are cautious when they first hear about mycorrhizal fungi. But unlike unproven additives, the benefits of these fungi aren’t based on hype—they’re rooted in real field data.
In 2022, a detailed trial conducted near Wood River, Nebraska by soils consultant Mike Petersen compared plots treated with AgpHRx alone, AgpHRx plus mycorrhizal fungi, and untreated control plots. The results provide hard proof that mycorrhizal fungi deliver meaningful agronomic benefits from the roots up.
The Trial Setup
● Crop: Corn (Fontanelle hybrid)
● Stage: Tassel to Early Silk
● Treatments:
○ Control (no additives)
○ AgpHRx only
○ AgpHRx + Mycorrhizal Fungi (Farm Fungi formula)
● Evaluation Parameters: Root nodal counts, plant height, stalk diameter, leaf number, ear height, and overall field observations
Key Findings: Mycorrhizal Fungi in Action
1. Root Development
Roots are the foundation of plant health—and this is where the fungi made the most striking difference. Corn in the fungi-treated plot averaged 44.4 nodal roots per plant, compared to 42.6 in AgpHRx-only and just 37.6 in untreated plots. That’s an 18.1% root increase over untreated rows.
This enhanced root profile included deeper crown roots from nodes 3–5, which are responsible for absorbing water and nutrients from lower in the soil profile.
2. Stalk Strength and Nutrient Transport
Fungi-treated plants exhibited a 6% increase in stalk diameter—a metric closely tied to the plant’s vascular system. Wider stalks mean more xylem and phloem tissue for moving water, sugars, and nutrients throughout the plant. This also reduced susceptibility to green snap and lodging.
3. Aboveground Growth Metrics
● Height: While not the tallest, the fungi-treated corn was more uniform in height, with fewer stressed or stunted plants.
● Ear Height: Fungi-treated plots had better ear placement, aiding in efficient harvestability. ● Leaf Count and Size: Treated corn showed one more exposed leaf on average, indicating earlier development and greater photosynthetic area.
4. Water and Nutrient Access
The combination of deeper root systems and mycorrhizal hyphae extended the absorption zone significantly. Petersen’s report notes that these biological extensions increased uptake efficiency for nitrogen and phosphorus, reducing the risk of nutrient tie-up or leaching.
Observational Takeaways from the Field
● Improved Soil Contact: More soil clung to the root systems in treated plots—a sign of active fungal colonization and glomalin production.
● Faster Maturity: Fungi-treated plants reached development milestones several days ahead of untreated controls, improving pollination timing.
● Disease Resilience: Stronger root systems and stalks correlated with reduced signs of early-season stress.
Economic Implications
While exact yield data was pending at time of the field review, Petersen projected a yield advantage of 12–15 bu/ac based on root structure and plant health metrics alone. In previous seasons using the same treatment combination, nearby fields yielded up to 314 bu/ac versus the regional average of ~280 bu/ac.
That kind of improvement doesn’t just help in the combine—it drives real ROI, especially when fertilizer and water inputs are limited or expensive.
No More Guesswork—Just Growth
The Nebraska tassel-stage trial proved what hundreds of farmers are starting to realize: mycorrhizal fungi are not a trend—they’re a biological upgrade for modern row crop systems.
By enhancing root systems, improving nutrient flow, and supporting stronger plants, Farm Fungi’s products are helping growers reclaim their soil’s natural productivity.
Ready to see what your soil’s capable of? Let’s talk.
Works Cited:
● Petersen, M. (2022). Report at Tassle to Early Silk Stage. Internal Agronomic Field Data, New Age Farming.