Mineral Phosphate Solubilization by Bacteria

Rock phosphate depletion in the world can lead to many devastating problems, mainly to the agriculture and related sectors. More than 75% of synthetic phosphate fertilizers undergo rapid precipitation and fixation after the application to soil. Furthermore, most of the soil phosphorus is not available for plant uptake. Thus, phosphorus has become a limiting nutrient for crops. Renewable phosphorus sources are required in order to provide substantial supply of phosphorus for crops. Microbial activity may release the insoluble phosphorus accumulated in soils and make them available for plants. Besides, bacteria may increase the soil fertility and promote the plant growth. Therefore, phosphorus based bio-fertilizer application to soil has been the main focus of many farmers and researchers for the past few years. This book has highlighted the analytical methods of isolating and screening mineral phosphate solubilizing bacteria that can be applied to acidic and alkaline soils. It should furnish you with some scientific background on mineral phosphate solubilization as well. This book should be beneficial to those who are interested in organic agriculture and biofertilizer production.