Abstract
Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) play a vital role in enhancing phosphorus (P) availability, a key nutrient required for optimal plant growth, root development, flowering, and yield. Although phosphorus fertilizers are widely used to address soil P deficiencies, much of the applied P becomes soil-bound and unavailable to plants. PSBs help overcome this limitation by converting insoluble phosphorus into plant-available forms, thereby improving nutrient uptake and crop productivity. Research indicates that integrating PSB with phosphorus fertilizers offers a sustainable strategy to boost crop yield, reduce reliance on synthetic inputs, and minimize environmental impacts. However, the success of this approach depends on factors such as soil type, crop species, and environmental conditions, underscoring the need for site-specific management and careful selection of microbial inoculants.
