Phosphorus solubilizing bacteria (PSB) Biofertilizer for major crops of Maharashtra, India

Abstract

The phosphates in soil remain in bound state with other compounds like aluminum and iron as aluminum/iron phosphate. The phosphate solubilizing microbes are used for making this biofertilizer. These microorganisms possess the ability to breakdown insoluble phosphates in soil into soluble forms by secreting organic acids H such as formic, acetic, lactic and fumaric acids etc. These acids lower the P and bring out dissolution of bound forms of phosphate. Example-several soil bacteria particularly belonging to the genera Pseudomonas (Pseudomonas striata) and Bacillus (Bacillus megaterium and Bacillus subtilis) and fungi belonging to the genera, Penicilium spp. and Aspergillus awamori possess the ability to degrade insoluble phosphates present in soil, making easier for plants to uptake through roots. Bacterial cultures are termed as PSB (Phosphate solubilizing Bacteria) and fungal cultures are termed as PSF (Phosphate Solubilizing Fungi)