Evaluating ability of indigenous phytate-solubilizing microorganisms to hydrolyze iron phytate for releasing inorganic phosphate in synthetic medium

Abstract

Phytate compounds, the most stable form of phosphorus (P) in nature, may contribute as high as 60% of the total organic P pool in soil. Phytate-solubilizing microorganisms (PpSM) are the only group of microorganisms having the capability of hydrolyzing phytate compounds, to release inorganic phosphorus compounds in soil. In typically acid soils like tea growing soils, phytate compounds are expected to be present as iron phytate salts. Four PpSM were isolated from tea rhizospheric soil and their potentials to release inorganic phosphate from phytate compounds were evaluated. It was observed that all the 4 PpSM strains have capability to hydrolyze phytate compounds and hence, they may be potentially used as bio-inoculant for enhancing phosphorus availability in soil.