How to Use Trichoderma in Soil? (A Farmer’s Simple Guide)

Trichoderma is a beneficial fungus that lives in soil. It protects crops from many soil-borne diseases like root rot, stem rot, and wilt. It also helps break down organic matter and makes nutrients available to plants. Using Trichoderma correctly is important to get good results. Below are simple, step‑by‑step methods for using Trichoderma in your field.

1. Which Trichoderma to Buy?

Trichoderma is available in two forms:

• Powder (formulation) – good for seed treatment and soil application.
• Liquid formulation – easy to mix with water and spray.

Always buy from a reliable company. Check the expiry date and the number of live spores (CFU – colony forming units) on the packet.

2. Seed Treatment (Before Sowing)

Treating seeds with Trichoderma protects the young roots from fungus attack.

For 1 kg of seeds:

• Take 10 grams of Trichoderma powder.
• Mix it with a little water (or jaggery solution – 10 g jaggery in 1 liter water) to make a paste.
• Add this paste to the seeds and mix well so that all seeds get coated.
• Spread the seeds in shade for 15–20 minutes (do not keep in direct sun).
• Sow immediately after drying.

For sugarcane setts (nursery / planting material):

• Mix 2.5 kg Trichoderma powder in 100 liters of water.
• Dip the sugarcane setts in this solution for 10 minutes.
• Remove and shade‑dry for 30 minutes before planting.

3. Soil Application (Before or at Sowing)

Applying Trichoderma directly to soil helps build a healthy root zone.

Method 1 – With Farm Yard Manure (FYM):

• Mix 5–10 kg Trichoderma powder with 500–1000 kg well‑decomposed FYM or compost.
• Sprinkle a little water to keep the mixture moist (not wet).
• Cover with a gunny bag and leave for 4–5 days in shade. This multiplies the fungus.
• Broadcast this mixture in one acre of field and mix into the top 5–10 cm soil by plowing or harrowing.
• Do this 3–5 days before sowing.

Method 2 – Through Drip Irrigation (Liquid Trichoderma):

• If using liquid Trichoderma, mix 1–2 liters in 200 liters of water (per acre).
• Apply through drip irrigation system or as a drench around the roots.
• Apply at the time of sowing or within 7 days after sowing.

4. Root Dip for Transplanted Crops

For vegetables like tomato, chilli, brinjal, and also for paddy, flowers, etc.:

• Mix 500 g Trichoderma powder in 50 liters of water.
• Dip the roots of seedlings in this solution for 10–15 minutes before transplanting.
• Then plant the seedlings directly in the field.

5. When to Apply Trichoderma?

• Before sowing – seed treatment + soil application (best time).
• At transplanting – root dip treatment.
• After sowing (as a maintenance dose) – 30–40 days after sowing, drench near the root zone.

6. Important Precautions

• Do not mix Trichoderma with chemical fungicides (like bavistin, captan, etc.). It will kill the Trichoderma.
• Do not mix with strong chemical fertilizers at the same time. Apply Trichoderma at least 7 days before or after chemicals.
• Keep the treated seeds / setts / soil moist (not dry). Trichoderma needs moisture to grow.
• Do not keep Trichoderma powder in direct sunlight or very hot places. Store in a cool, dry, dark place.
• Use the product before its expiry date.

7. Benefits of Using Trichoderma in Soil

• Controls root rot, collar rot, wilt, and damping off diseases.
• Reduces the need for chemical fungicides – saves money.
• Improves soil health and increases availability of phosphorus and other nutrients.
• Promotes faster root growth and stronger plants.
• Increases crop yield and quality.

Summary Table for Farmers

By following these simple steps, you can use Trichoderma effectively and keep your soil healthy and disease‑free naturally.