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Published on: June 23, 2022
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Fungi, P-Solubilization, and Plant Nutrition
Maria Vassileva1, Gilberto de Oliveira Mendes2, Marco Agostino Deriu3
1Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Granada, C/Fuentenueva s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain.
Microorganisms
|September 23, 2022
Summary
Plant beneficial fungi are crucial for nutrient acquisition, especially phosphorus (P). This review highlights fungal P-solubilization and its role in sustainable agriculture, addressing recent efficacy questions.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Microbiology
- Soil Science
- Plant Nutrition
Background:
- Plant beneficial microorganisms offer sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
- While bacteria are well-studied, the role of fungi in soil nutrient cycling, particularly phosphorus (P), is under-researched.
- Fungi are primary decomposers and significantly influence soil carbon and element cycling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of fungi in phosphate (P) solubilization and plant nutrition.
- To emphasize the production and application of fungal P-solubilizers.
- To address recent debates on the efficacy of microbial P-solubilizers and suggest future research directions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on fungal P-solubilization mechanisms.
- Analysis of fungal genera like Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Trichoderma for P-solubilization efficiency.
- Discussion of application strategies and current research challenges.
Main Results:
- Fungi, particularly Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Trichoderma, efficiently solubilize insoluble phosphates, enhancing plant P-acquisition.
- Fungal P-solubilization contributes significantly to total plant nitrogen and phosphorus uptake.
- Recent studies have raised questions regarding the in-soil efficacy of these microbial solubilizers.
Conclusions:
- Fungi play a vital, yet underappreciated, role in P-solubilization and plant nutrition.
- Further research is needed to clarify the efficacy of fungal P-solubilizers in diverse soil environments.
- Harnessing fungal P-solubilizing potential aligns with sustainability and circular economy principles in agriculture.
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