2026/01/01 by Acharya Balkrishna, Sonam Verma, Neha Sahu +2 · 1 voice
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Environmental Science · #Phosphorus and nutrient management #Plant nutrient uptake and metabolism #Soil Carbon and Nitrogen Dynamics
paper · pdf · doi:10.1111/sum.70171
openalex publication_date 2026/01/01 · openalex created_date 2026/01/22 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/30
ABSTRACT Phosphorus (P) deficiency is a major threat to global food security, with up to 90% of soil P locked in insoluble complexes and fertiliser dependency accelerating resource depletion. Phosphate‐solubilising bacteria (PSB) offer a sustainable alternative, yet most reviews treat them narrowly as solubilizers. This review synthesises the molecular mechanisms, regulatory pathways, ecological constraints, and agronomic applications that shape PSB function. Mechanistic insights highlight organic‐acid‐driven solubilisation, phosphatase/phytase‐mediated mineralisation, and EPS‐chelation, regulated by genes such as gcd, pqqE, phyA/appA, and networks including PhoB/PhoR. Recent evidence shows functional variation among PSB across soil types, their synergism with rhizobia in arid and saline‐alkali soils, and enhanced performance when co‐applied with organic amendments, nano‐hydroxyapatite fertilisers, or biochar‐based carriers. For example, nano‐hydroxyapatite (nHAP)‐PSB systems have been shown to increase accessible P release by 20%–35%, and PSB‐assisted rock phosphate dissolution frequently results in 20%–40% yield gains in cereal crops. Field studies report yield improvements, although outcomes remain context‐dependent due to factors such as soil chemistry, formulation, and competition with native microbial communities. Beyond P mobilisation, PSBs contribute to compost maturation, circular nutrient recovery, and heavy‐metal immobilisation, including transformations of Pb into less bioavailable mineral forms. Advances in microbial consortia and nanocarrier formulations further illustrate the expanding potential of PSB in sustainable soil management and resource‐efficient agriculture.