Application of phosphate solubilising microorganisms to increase the solubilisation of rock phosphates in soil

M. Stella and A. Muhammad Syahren

Abstract

In this study, phosphate solubilising microorganisms were used to increase the solubility of rock phosphates, a slow release phosphorus (P) fertiliser. A consortium that consists of Serratia marcens, Klebsiella sp. and Aspergillus sp. was mixed with rock phosphate to evaluate the efficiency of rock phosphate solubilisation in soils sampled from various locations with different soil properties and agronomic practices. Total P and soluble P in soils treated with phosphate solubilising microorganisms were significantly higher compared with soils solely applied with rock phosphate. Approximately 70 – 98 % of P was released from rock phosphates in soils. Available P within the range of 13 – 1289 ppm and 832 – 1441 ppm were observed in soils exclusively treated with rock phosphates and soils treated with both rock phosphate and phosphate solubilising microorganisms respectively. Thus, the application of rock phosphates with phosphate solubilising microorganisms should be recommended for a sustainable agriculture practice as it is safe for environment and reduces pollution caused by chemical fertilisers.

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