Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms: Multifarious Applications

Abstract

Phosphorus is a key element for plant growth and development. Phosphate sources are available in soil present in both forms organic as well as inorganic. Due to its highly reactive nature, phosphate forms insoluble complex with several metal ions (Fe, Al, and Ca) and becomes unavailable for plant uptake and thus acts as a major limiting factor. Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes possess the ability to solubilize insoluble phosphate and convert into available form as orthophosphate ions thereby helping in plant growth, crop yield, and simultaneously improve soil health. In addition, these PSMs also play major role in various other key activities of environmental significance. A few such activities include ecological restoration, heavy metal decontamination and immobilization, promoting sustainable agricultural practices in saline-alkaline and other unsuitable soils. Overall, these PSMs are evolving as worthy candidates with multifarious application for environmental sustainability. This chapter covers several aspects of phosphate solubilization and mobilization by PSMs in the soil and further describes several other beneficial applications of these PSMs. © The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2023.