Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewedConventional

Benefits of phosphate solubilizing bacteria on belowground crop performance for improved crop acquisition of phosphorus

Adnane Bargaz; Wissal Elhaissoufi; Said Khourchi; Bouchra Benmrid; Kira A. Borden; Zineb Rchiad

Microbiological Research · 2021

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Summary

This review or experimental paper examines the agronomic potential of phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB) as microbial inoculants to enhance crop phosphorus acquisition through improved belowground processes. The work appears to synthesise evidence on PSB mechanisms—such as organic acid production and phosphatase activity—and their effects on root system development and soil phosphorus mobilisation. The findings suggest PSB offer a biological approach to improve phosphorus use efficiency in cropping systems, particularly relevant where synthetic phosphate fertiliser availability or cost is limiting.

Regional applicability

Phosphate-solubilising bacteria application is relevant to United Kingdom arable and mixed farming systems, where phosphorus fixation in many soils limits plant availability despite adequate total phosphorus. Transferability depends on PSB strain selection for UK soil and climate conditions, and potential integration with existing fertiliser strategies.

Key measures

Probable measures include root biomass and morphology, soil available phosphorus, plant tissue phosphorus concentration, and crop yield or growth parameters

Outcomes reported

The study likely examined how phosphate-solubilising bacterial inoculants affect crop root development, soil phosphorus availability, and overall plant phosphorus uptake under controlled or field conditions.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
Subject
Other / interdisciplinary
Study type
Research
Study design
Likely field trial or controlled experiment
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
System type
Other
DOI
10.1016/j.micres.2021.126842
Catalogue ID
NRmscck2jb-00r

Topic tags

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