Relevance of phosphate solubilizing microbes in sustainable crop production: a review

Phosphorus (P) is one of the most important factors regarding plant growth and development. Its deficiency can be compensated by adding chemical fertilizers which are expensive and have an overall negative impact on the ecosystem. Their continuous use leads to the depletion of soil fertility, accumulation of toxic elements which will affect the normal soil micro flora, leading to an imbalance in equilibrium. Phosphate solubilizing microbes (PSM) may be an alternative way to overcome the P deficiency without causing any harm to environment. For this, their biodiversity, mode of action, colonizing ability and their careful relevance should be used as trustworthy components in sustainable agricultural systems. Due to variability in the performance of these microbes, their exploitation in the area of nanotechnology becomes a challenge in sustainable agriculture. In this review, we have discussed the use of PSM as biofertilizers, responsible factors and the strains that are used for the synthesis of different nanoparticles whose implementation will not only promote sustainable agriculture but also be helpful in commercial applicability.