Soil phosphorus transformation and plant uptake driven by phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development, playing a critical role in DNA synthesis, cell membrane components, ATP, respiration, and photosynthesis. However, most P in soil is in an unavailable form, limiting plant growth. Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) can convert insoluble P into a form that plants can absorb, improving P availability and utilization. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which PSMs promote P absorption and utilization by plants, including their types, functions, solubilization mechanisms, and impact on plant P acquisition. PSMs enhance P availability through the secretion of organic acids, phosphatase production, and mycorrhizal symbiosis. They also improve plant growth by producing plant hormones, fixing nitrogen, and protecting plants from pathogens. PSMs can significantly affect soil microbial communities and enhance interactions between microorganisms, improving organic matter degradation and soil nutrient quality. The article also discusses the role of mycorrhizal symbiosis in P acquisition and the impact of co-inoculation of PSMs on plant P uptake. PSMs are important for improving P utilization efficiency, reducing environmental pollution, and enhancing resource management. The study highlights the importance of PSMs in promoting plant growth and improving soil P cycling. The review also discusses the genetic mechanisms underlying P solubilization by PSMs, including the roles of phosphatase and organic acid-related genes. The study emphasizes the need for further research on PSMs to improve plant P uptake and utilization. The findings suggest that PSMs have significant potential in sustainable agriculture and soil management.Soil phosphorus transformation and plant uptake driven by phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development, playing a critical role in DNA synthesis, cell membrane components, ATP, respiration, and photosynthesis. However, most P in soil is in an unavailable form, limiting plant growth. Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) can convert insoluble P into a form that plants can absorb, improving P availability and utilization. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which PSMs promote P absorption and utilization by plants, including their types, functions, solubilization mechanisms, and impact on plant P acquisition. PSMs enhance P availability through the secretion of organic acids, phosphatase production, and mycorrhizal symbiosis. They also improve plant growth by producing plant hormones, fixing nitrogen, and protecting plants from pathogens. PSMs can significantly affect soil microbial communities and enhance interactions between microorganisms, improving organic matter degradation and soil nutrient quality. The article also discusses the role of mycorrhizal symbiosis in P acquisition and the impact of co-inoculation of PSMs on plant P uptake. PSMs are important for improving P utilization efficiency, reducing environmental pollution, and enhancing resource management. The study highlights the importance of PSMs in promoting plant growth and improving soil P cycling. The review also discusses the genetic mechanisms underlying P solubilization by PSMs, including the roles of phosphatase and organic acid-related genes. The study emphasizes the need for further research on PSMs to improve plant P uptake and utilization. The findings suggest that PSMs have significant potential in sustainable agriculture and soil management.