Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms and Phosphate Solubilizing Rhizobium – Mini Review

Phosphorus is the main nutrient element for plant growth, whereas most of phosphate in soil is fixated by calcium, aluminum, iron and organic compounds. Available phosphate deficiency has been the main limiting factor that influences the yield and quality of agricultural products. P solubilizing microorganisms have been widely reported of solubilizing different forms of insoluble phosphates. P solubilizing Rhizobium, especially for strains with the ability of secreting 3-Indole acetic acid, which is also capable of fixating N and inoculation, is found excellent in promoting growth and yield of legume crops, which decreases the cost of agricultural production and the side effect of P application to the environment. The mechanism and amount range of P solubilization for Rhizobium are varied among strains. These results and phenomena from different studies are discussed in this paper.