Microbial phosphorus solubilization is a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture, offering an alternative to conventional chemical fertilizers. Phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs), including bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and algae, can convert insoluble phosphorus into forms available to plants, enhancing crop growth and yield. These microbes improve soil fertility and reduce environmental pollution caused by excessive fertilizer use. Despite their potential, PSMs have not yet replaced chemical fertilizers in commercial agriculture. Understanding PSM diversity, colonization ability, and application methods is crucial for their effective use in sustainable systems. This review highlights various PSMs, their mechanisms of action, and factors influencing their effectiveness. PSMs can solubilize inorganic phosphorus and mineralize organic phosphorus, improving plant nutrient availability. They also exhibit biocontrol properties against plant pathogens. PSMs are particularly effective in saline-alkali soils and can enhance phosphorus uptake in crops. The mechanisms of inorganic phosphate solubilization involve organic acid production, proton release, and enzyme activity. Organic phosphorus mineralization is facilitated by enzymes like phytase, which release phosphorus from phytate. Factors such as soil pH, temperature, and microbial interactions influence PSM performance. Future research should focus on developing region-specific PSM technologies to enhance their application in agriculture. PSMs offer a sustainable solution for improving food production while minimizing environmental impact.Microbial phosphorus solubilization is a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture, offering an alternative to conventional chemical fertilizers. Phosphorus-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs), including bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and algae, can convert insoluble phosphorus into forms available to plants, enhancing crop growth and yield. These microbes improve soil fertility and reduce environmental pollution caused by excessive fertilizer use. Despite their potential, PSMs have not yet replaced chemical fertilizers in commercial agriculture. Understanding PSM diversity, colonization ability, and application methods is crucial for their effective use in sustainable systems. This review highlights various PSMs, their mechanisms of action, and factors influencing their effectiveness. PSMs can solubilize inorganic phosphorus and mineralize organic phosphorus, improving plant nutrient availability. They also exhibit biocontrol properties against plant pathogens. PSMs are particularly effective in saline-alkali soils and can enhance phosphorus uptake in crops. The mechanisms of inorganic phosphate solubilization involve organic acid production, proton release, and enzyme activity. Organic phosphorus mineralization is facilitated by enzymes like phytase, which release phosphorus from phytate. Factors such as soil pH, temperature, and microbial interactions influence PSM performance. Future research should focus on developing region-specific PSM technologies to enhance their application in agriculture. PSMs offer a sustainable solution for improving food production while minimizing environmental impact.