Increasing the Bioavailability of Phosphate by Using Microorganisms
A. A. A. U. Aberathna, Dilan Amila Satharasinghe, Anura P. Jayasooriya, Rasika Jinadasa, S. Manopriya, B. P. A. Jayaweera, C.A.N. Fernando, W. A. D. V. Weerathilake, Gamika A. Prathapasinghe, J.A. Liyanage, J.M.K.J.K. Premarathne
Abstract
Phosphorous (P) is a nonrenewable and one of the most important macronutrients for all living organisms. The formation of complexes with cations such as Al, Fe, and Ca reduces the solubility of P leading to limiting the absorption of P by plants. Therefore, we need to apply excessive amounts of P through conventional fertilizers. However, plants can use only a small portion of P of these added fertilizers whenever those become unavailable. Therefore, utilizing excess amounts of phosphate as fertilizers can lead to various environmental issues like eutrophication. Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSM) have the ability to solubilize soil phosphate through the production of organic acids, inorganic acids, enzymes, protons, siderophores, and exopolysaccharides resulting in the absorption of P by plants. The application of PSM has the potential to be used as an efficient, eco-friendly, and sustainable approach that can replace traditional fertilizers. This review aimed to give an overview of the diversity of PSM, methods of P solubilization, current trends, and technological advances that can assist in using PSM to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).