Background & Challenges

Sugarcane is one of India’s most important cash crops, crucial for sugar and ethanol production. However, it is also a nutrient- and water-intensive crop, especially demanding phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N).

Traditionally, farmers rely heavily on chemical fertilizers (NPK). While these increase yields, they also:

• Increase input costs.
• Degrade long-term soil health.
• Show reduced efficiency under drought or low rainfall conditions (common in rain-fed sugarcane belts).

Agrilogy Bioscience Pvt. Ltd. set out to test whether Greenical VAM™ (a tablet-based mycorrhizal formulation) could offer farmers a sustainable solution by reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers while improving yield.

Our Bio-Solution for Sugarcane

Greenical VAM™ is a tablet formulation containing:

• Species: Rhizophagus fasciculatus & Rhizophagus intraradices.
• Strength: 50,000 spores per gram (one of the highest available in the market).
• Dosage: Just 5 g per acre.

These AMF spores colonize the root system of sugarcane, forming a natural network of hyphae that improves:

• Nutrient absorption (especially phosphorus).
• Water uptake efficiency.
• Soil microbial diversity.
• Overall plant resilience.

Methodology

• Location: Bardoli village, Gujarat.
• Duration: One full growing season (Sept 2021 – April 2022).
• Crop Varieties Tested:
  • Co 0238 (widely grown, high-yielding).
  • Co 86002 (moderate yield but good sugar recovery).
• Design: Randomized block with test plots (with Greenical VAM™) and control plots (no AMF inoculation).
• Soil Characteristics: pH 6.93, organic carbon 0.68%, available P 57 kg/ha, available N 216 kg/ha, available K 432 kg/ha.

Observations & Results

A. Root Colonization & Spore Density

• Control plots showed minimal colonization.
• Greenical VAM™ plots achieved 56%–76% colonization, with dense spore populations sustained across the season.
• Higher colonization = stronger root network = better nutrient uptake.

B. Soil Properties

• Nutrient levels in rhizosphere soil (N, P, K) were significantly higher in treated plots.
• Example: After 3 months – P levels in treated plots were 115 mg/kg vs. 75 mg/kg in control.
• Soil microbial activity was richer, ensuring long-term fertility.

C. Plant Growth & Biomass

• Shoot dry weight and stalk biomass were higher in inoculated crops.
• Co 0238 + Greenical VAM™ produced heavier and stronger stalks compared to control.

D. Sugarcane Yield & Quality

• Yield Increase:
  • Co 0238 showed the highest absolute cane yield (tons/hectare).
  • Co 86002 showed the highest percentage gain in sugar extraction.
• Sugar Recovery: Both varieties improved CCS (Commercial Cane Sugar %) significantly.

E. Nutrient Uptake

• Plants treated with Greenical VAM™ absorbed higher amounts of N and P.
• Indicates more efficient nutrient use, lowering need for external chemical fertilizers.

Impact on Farmers

1. Economic Benefits

• Higher yields = more revenue per acre.
• Reduced dependency on costly phosphorus fertilizers.

2. Environmental Benefits

• Improved soil fertility and microbial balance.

• Reduced chemical load in soil and water systems.
• Better carbon sequestration due to enhanced root biomass.

3. Practical Advantages

• Low dosage (5 g/acre) makes it easy to apply during planting.

• Tablet form ensures precise application without wastage.

Variety-Specific Insights

• Co 0238: Farmers aiming for higher tonnage (more cane per hectare) benefit most.
• Co 86002: Farmers targeting better sugar recovery % gain more.

This shows that Greenical VAM™ adapts to different farmer goals—whether it’s maximizing biomass or maximizing sugar content.

Conclusion

The Bardoli field trial clearly demonstrated that Greenical VAM™ significantly enhances sugarcane productivity by:

• Boosting root colonization (up to 76%).
• Improving soil N, P, K levels.
• Increasing plant biomass and cane yield.
• Raising sugar extraction percentage.

"One small tablet, one acre, big results."
This eco-friendly, cost-effective solution proves that biofertilizers can compete with and even outperform chemical fertilizers, while ensuring long-term soil health and sustainability.

Farmer`s Testimonials

1. “From Struggles to Surplus”

"Earlier, I had to spend a lot on DAP and chemical fertilizers. Still, my cane crop looked weak. After using Greenical VAM™, the roots became stronger, the crop stood greener, and my yield increased by nearly 15%. Most importantly, I saved money on fertilizer."

— Ramesh Patel, Sugarcane Farmer, Bardoli, Gujarat

2. “Stronger Cane, Sweeter Juice”

“This season, I tried Greenical VAM™ in Co 86002 sugarcane. I was surprised to see thicker stalks and more juice recovery. My sugar mill even confirmed higher sugar percentage. It gives confidence that natural products really work.”

— Mahesh Desai, Co 86002 Grower, Valsad District

3. “Small Dose, Big Change”

“I could not believe that just one small tablet per acre would bring such change. My soil became more fertile, and my cane yield went up without extra cost. Now, I plan to use it in my cotton and banana crops too.”

— Sureshbhai Chaudhary, Multi-crop Farmer, South Gujarat