02 June 2017 | Elizabeth T. Alori, Bernard R. Glick, Olubukola O. Babalola
The article discusses the potential of phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) in sustainable agriculture. PSMs are capable of solubilizing and mineralizing insoluble soil phosphorus, making it available to plants and improving crop yields. The authors highlight the benefits of using PSMs as biofertilizers, which include increased phosphorus availability, enhanced plant growth, and reduced environmental pollution caused by conventional chemical fertilizers. They review various soil microorganisms that can solubilize phosphorus, including bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and algae. The mechanisms of inorganic phosphate solubilization by PSMs, such as the production of organic acids, siderophores, and protons, are also discussed. Additionally, the article explores the mechanisms of organic phosphorus mineralization, which involves the degradation of organic phosphorus compounds. Factors influencing microbial phosphate solubilization, such as soil conditions, temperature, and pH, are also covered. The authors conclude that PSMs have significant potential in promoting sustainable agriculture and suggest that further research and communication of this technology to farmers are necessary for its widespread adoption.The article discusses the potential of phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) in sustainable agriculture. PSMs are capable of solubilizing and mineralizing insoluble soil phosphorus, making it available to plants and improving crop yields. The authors highlight the benefits of using PSMs as biofertilizers, which include increased phosphorus availability, enhanced plant growth, and reduced environmental pollution caused by conventional chemical fertilizers. They review various soil microorganisms that can solubilize phosphorus, including bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and algae. The mechanisms of inorganic phosphate solubilization by PSMs, such as the production of organic acids, siderophores, and protons, are also discussed. Additionally, the article explores the mechanisms of organic phosphorus mineralization, which involves the degradation of organic phosphorus compounds. Factors influencing microbial phosphate solubilization, such as soil conditions, temperature, and pH, are also covered. The authors conclude that PSMs have significant potential in promoting sustainable agriculture and suggest that further research and communication of this technology to farmers are necessary for its widespread adoption.