Phosphate solubilizing microbes: A potential bioinoculant for efficient use of phosphate fertilizers

Phosphor-us is the second most important and essential element for plants next to nitrogen. Since P availability from the phosphoric reserves i.e., rock phosphate under neutral and alkaline conditions is scarce / negligible, the PSM dissolving imprisoned / interlocked phosphates appear to have an important implication in Indian agriculture. A wide range of microorganisms from autotrophs to heterotrophs, diazotrophs to phototrophs, fungi and actinomycetes including mycorrhizae are known to have the ability to solubilize inorganic P from insoluble sources. This paper reviews the list of. P solubilizing, microorganisms, mechanism of solubilization, factors effecting solubilization and their,prospects of developing as bioinoculants.