PSM (Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms) as Biofertilizers

In comparison to major nutrients, phosphorus is by far the least mobile and available to plants. Most developing countries economic stability depends on agricultural yield, hence to feed rapidly increasing population excessive use of chemical fertilizers is there. As a solution PSM are employed that renders inorganic phosphorus to be available to plants in soluble form and mineralize organic phosphorus,(eco friendly) limiting the use of fertilizers. The solubilization of phosphatic compounds by naturally abundant PSM is studied under in vitro conditions. We have collected soil samples from different agricultural crops growing near by our campus processed all the samples for microbiological analysis within 24 hours. We have isolated large number of phosphate solublising colonies selected efficient phosphate solubilizers with high solubilization index for futher analysis and scaled down to few good phosphate solubilizers with high phosphatase activity. A nursery experiment was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of these strains in improving the growth and phosphorus level in maize seedlings. This review presents utilization of PSM with a view to foster sustainable agriculture.