THE POTENTIAL OF PHOSPHATE-SOLUBILIZING BACTERIA IN IMPROVING SOIL FERTILITY AND PLANT GROWTH POTENSI BAKTERI PELARUT FOSFAT DALAMMENINGKATKANKESUBURANTANAH DANPERTUMBUHANTANAMAN Section Articles

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth, yet its availability in soils is often limited
due to fixation by Ca, Fe, and Al ions. This limitation increases reliance on chemical phosphate fertilizers,
leading to environmental concerns and higher production costs. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB)
offer an effective biofertilizer alternative by solubilizing insoluble phosphate through organic acid
production, phosphatase–phytase activity, and reduced P adsorption by soil colloids. Literature findings
indicate that PSB enhance P availability across different soil types and significantly improve plant growth
by increasing biomass, P accumulation, soil enzymatic activity, and modifying rhizosphere microbial
communities. These results highlight the potential of PSB as a key component in improving soil fertility
and promoting sustainable agriculture