Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms Increase Soil Phosphorus Availability: A Review

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) availability in soil is often limited, posing a challenge for sustainable agricultural production. Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) have emerged as a promising biological approach to enhance soil P availability while minimize negative environmental impacts. Exploring the impact of PSMs on increasing soil available P is crucial for optimizing the utilization of insoluble P in soil and promoting sustainable agricultural practices. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review on the dynamics of soil available P, including its input, loss and transformation processes. Additionally, we draw a conclusion about how PSMs increase the availability of P in soil, including solubilizing inorganic P (Pi) and organic P (Po) by secreting substances such as protons, organic acids, inorganic acids, exopolysaccharides, hydrogen sulfide, siderophores and phosphatases. Notably, the factors influencing the P solubilizing activity of PSMs in soil are thoroughly discussed. Moreover, practical applications of PSMs for increasing soil P availability are summarized. Future research should focus on exploring novel PSM isolates, conducting long-term field experiments to assess the effects and potential risk of PSMs under diverse conditions, and investigating synergistic approaches with other P activators or beneficial microorganisms. This review will advance our understanding of PSMs and their practical application, enabling their widespread adoption in agricultural systems.

Keywords:

• Potential risk
• practical application
• sustainable agricultural production

Author contributions

Feng Liu: Writing-original draft preparation. Jin Qian: Supervision. Yueming Zhu, Peifang Wang and Jing Hu: Reviewing and editing. Bianhe Lu, Yuxuan He, and Sijing Tang: Data Curation. Junwei Shen, Yin Liu and Fengduo Li: Visualization.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no potential conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This study was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [No. 51779078], the Six Talent Peaks Project in Jiangsu Province [No. JNHB-012], the National Major Projects of Water Pollution Control and Management Technology [No. 2017ZX07204003], and Priority Academic Program Development of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions (PAPD).