Phosphate-solubilizing mechanisms and ecological functions of cold-tolerant phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms

Phosphorus is an essential nutrient for plant growth, playing a crucial role in energy transfer and substance synthesis. The scarcity of available phosphorus in soil is an important factor restricting agricultural development and ecological restoration. Low temperature stress hinders plant physiological metabolism and inhibits soil phosphorus activation through pathways such as reducing soil enzyme activity. Phosphorus solubilizing microorgani-sms (PSM) with the capacity of cold resistance, can achieve biological activation of soil insoluble phosphorus, alleviate plant cold stress and promote growth, effectively alleviate plant phosphorus demand, mainly due to their low-temperature adaptability and phosphorus solubilizing ability. We summarized the types and distribution of cold resistant PSM, its cold resistance and phosphorus solubilization mechanisms, elaborated on its ecological functions in soil phosphorus cycling, microbial interactions, and plant growth, and explored the potential application of cold resistant PSM in sustainable agricultural development and ecological restoration in cold regions. We proposed further research directions for PSM in strain resource development, molecular mechanism analysis, and field application optimization, which would provide support for the efficient utilization of soil phosphorus resources in cold regions.