Phosphorus and potassium solubilizing bacteria and their potential use in agriculturePhosphorus, potassium, solubilization, bacteria
Phosphorus is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and reproduction, with the function of storing and transporting energy as ATP, it is also what has most frequently limited Brazilian agricultural production. It is estimated that the current reserves of phosphorus that are easier to exploit will be depleted in the next 50 to 100 years, requiring a reduction in the application of this input and the adoption of more efficient practices and techniques to ensure its sustainable use in agriculture. Currently, in modern agriculture, efficiency is sought to manage natural resources. The supply of inorganic and/or synthetic fertilizers with high use efficiency, especially phosphorus, which is finite and irreplaceable, is essential to ensure good crop productivity. Many phosphate and potassium solubilizing microorganisms have been used as biofertilizers, as they reduce the purchase costs of mineral inputs. Solubilizing bacteria have a fundamental role in ecosystems, their applicability is related to different mechanisms, that associated with the large number of genera with this ability, turns them a valuable resource to be studied and explored in specific agricultural systems as well in adverse conditions, as an alternative for optimizing the use of inputs, reducing environmental impacts and economic gains.