Fungal extracellular phosphatases: their role in P cycling under different pH and P sources availability

Aims The aim of this work is to analyse the effect of pH, fungal identity and P chemical nature on microbial development and phosphatase release, discussing solubilization and mineralization processes in P cycling. Methods and Results P solubilizing fungi (Talaromyces flavus, T. helicus L, T. helicus N, T. diversus and Penicillium purpurogenum) were grown under three pH conditions (6, 6.5 and 8.5) and with different inorganic (calcium, iron, aluminium, rock) and organic (lecithin, phytate) P sources. P solubilization, mineralization, growth and phosphatase production were recorded. Acid and neutral environments maximized fungal development and P recycling. P chemical nature changed the phosphatases release pattern depending on the fungal identity. Acid phosphatase activity was higher than alkaline phosphatases, regardless of pH or sample times. Alkaline phosphatases were affected by a combination of those factors. Conclusions P chemical nature and pH modify fungal growth, P mineralization and solubilization processes. The underlying fungal identity dependent metabolism governs the capacity and efficiency of P solubilization and mineralization. P solubilization and mineralization processes are interrelated and simultaneously present in soil fungi. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.