Fungi, P-Solubilization, and Plant Nutrition

Abstract

The application of plant beneficial microorganisms is widely accepted as an efficient alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It was shown that annually, mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria are responsible for 5 to 80% of all nitrogen, and up to 75% of P plant acquisition. However, while bacteria are the most studied soil microorganisms and most frequently reported in the scientific literature, the role of fungi is relatively understudied, although they are the primary organic matter decomposers and govern soil carbon and other elements, including P-cycling. Many fungi can solubilize insoluble phosphates or facilitate P-acquisition by plants and, therefore, form an important part of the commercial microbial products, with Aspergillus, Penicillium and Trichoderma being the most efficient. In this paper, the role of fungi in P-solubilization and plant nutrition will be presented with a special emphasis on their production and application. Although this topic has been repeatedly reviewed, some recent views questioned the efficacy of the microbial P-solubilizers in soil. Here, we will try to summarize the proven facts but also discuss further lines of research that may clarify our doubts in this field or open new perspectives on using the microbial and particularly fungal P-solubilizing potential in accordance with the principles of the sustainability and circular economy.

Phosphorus-Solubilizing Capacity of Mortierella Species Isolated from Rhizosphere Soil of a Poplar Plantation

“…Therefore, Mortierella strains are anticipated to be utilized as a biofertilizer to promote plant growth. Nevertheless, at the same time, it is essential to consider all the potential possibilities and risks when using fungal biofertilizers [57].…”

Investigate the impact of microorganism species richness, carrier materials, and nitrogen fertilizer on (Eruca vesicaria subsp. Sativa) growth and its active compounds content: Running Title; Fertilizer and Arugula

“…Additionally, certain isolates of Trichoderma spp. possess the ability to penetrate plant roots and form fungal structures in the roots [34]. Among these characteristics is their ability to dissolve insoluble phosphate compounds by producing organic acids such as gluconic, lysinic, humic, as well as inorganic acids like nitric, sulfuric, and phosphoric acids, transforming them from non-readily available forms to readily available forms for plant uptake [35,36].…”

Field evaluation of the effect of Aspergillus niger on lettuce growth using conventional measurements and a high-throughput phenotyping method based on aerial images

“…Aspergillus niger strains have shown the capacity to produce phytohormones such as indoleacetic acid and gibberellin [ 12 , 13 ] and solubilize P and K from minerals [ 14 – 16 ]. Therefore, under nutrient scarcity, this species might release organic acids to make nutrients like P available to plants or, on the other hand, produce phytohormones to stimulate root and shoot development when nutrients are not limiting plant growth [ 40 ]. This would allow the fungus to switch mechanisms according to the plant’s needs, representing a smart choice for inoculant development.…”

“…nutrients are not limiting plant growth [40]. This would allow the fungus to switch mechanisms according to the plant's needs, representing a smart choice for inoculant development.…”