Summary
This review article synthesises current knowledge on phosphate-solubilising microorganisms (PSMs) and their role in enhancing soil phosphorus availability for crop plants. The authors examine the mechanisms—including organic acid secretion and phosphatase enzyme production—by which PSMs solubilise sparingly soluble phosphate compounds, as suggested by laboratory and field observations circa 2015–2020. The work appears to position microbial phosphate solubilisation as a potential agronomic strategy to improve phosphorus cycling and reduce reliance on synthetic phosphate fertilisers.
UK applicability
The mechanisms described are broadly applicable to UK soils, where phosphorus fixation and depletion are significant challenges. However, the review does not specifically address UK soil conditions, climate, or regulatory frameworks for biological inoculants, limiting direct policy or practice translation.
Key measures
Phosphorus solubilisation capacity; phosphatase enzyme activity; organic acid production; plant phosphorus uptake rates
Outcomes reported
The study examined mechanisms by which phosphate-solubilising microorganisms enhance phosphorus availability and uptake in soil systems. It synthesised evidence on the biochemical and physiological pathways through which these microbes mobilise bound phosphate forms.
Topic tags
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