13. Role of Phosphate-Solubilising Microorganisms in Sustainable Agricultural Development

Phosphorous (P) is an essential macronutrient required for plant growth and development and comes next to Nitrogen (N). The quantity of phosphorous present in soil is huge but is unavailable to the plants due to its fixation with the other elements in soil necessitating the application of chemical phosphatic fertilisers to the soil for plant growth and development. Injudicious use of phosphatic fertiliser though has resulted in enhancement of crop yield but had left an adverse effect on the ecosystem. In the present scenario, to manage the nutritional security and the environment, sustainable agriculture holds the key which uses phosphate solubilising microorganisms (PSM’s) as an important alternative, which can solubilise soil phosphate and supply it to the plants in a more eco-friendly and sustainable manner. PSM’s are diversified in nature and are abundant in normal to stressed environments. They include bacteria, fungi, algae, actinomycetes and mycorrhizae which solubilises soil phosphate by different mechanisms including production of organic acids and enzymes, thus making phosphorous available to the plants for their growth and development. Molecular biotechnology brings out a better technique that could help researchers to understand the mechanisms responsible for solubilisation and also improve the performance of PSM’s by manipulating the genes responsible for phosphorous solubilisation for the betterment of crops and also in managing a sustainable environment system.