Agricultural Reviews

  • Chief EditorPradeep K. Sharma

  • Print ISSN 0253-1496

  • Online ISSN 0976-0741

  • NAAS Rating 4.84

Frequency :
Quarterly (March, June, September & December)
Indexing Services :
AGRICOLA, Google Scholar, CrossRef, CAB Abstracting Journals, Chemical Abstracts, Indian Science Abstracts, EBSCO Indexing Services, Index Copernicus
Submit

Review Article

Agricultural Reviews, volume 44 issue 3 (september 2023) : 311-319

Revitalization of Potassium Solubilizing Microbes in Food Production System: An Overview

Amanpreet Singh1,*, Bhinderpal Singh1, Gurbax Singh Chinna1, Harmandeep Singh Chahal1, Rajni Devi2
1PG Department of Agriculture, Khalsa College, Amritsar-143 005, Punjab, India.
2ICAR-Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla-171 001, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Cite article:- Singh Amanpreet, Singh Bhinderpal, Chinna Singh Gurbax, Chahal Singh Harmandeep, Devi Rajni (2023). Revitalization of Potassium Solubilizing Microbes in Food Production System: An Overview . Agricultural Reviews. 44(3): 311-319. doi: 10.18805/ag.R-2196.

ABSTRACT

Potassium is one of the main nutrients required for plant growth and development. Potassium is useful in agricultural for better plant growth and disease resistance. Potassium deficiency in plants is identified through poorly developed roots, slow growth and higher disease attack, delayed maturity and ultimately lower crop yields. Continuous use of chemical fertilizers makes the soil devoid of organic potassium in the soil. Under such conditions, the application of biofertilizers can be the best approach to increase the solubility of soil potassium. The potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) were derived from diffuse potassium, silicon and aluminum from K-insoluble aluminosilicate minerals, such as orthoclase, micas, illite and biotite. KSB plays an important role in increasing nutrient availability in the soil by increasing the soluble form of potassium.

INTRODUCTION

Natural sources of potassium materials are cost-effective. On the other hand, nutrients from them are not readily available to a plant due to their very low solubility that results in slow potassium (K) release in the soil. Similarly, the organic source of potassium represents an insignificant increase in the crop yield. Certain microbial strains are discovered which are quite effective in the rapid solubilization of potassium existing deposits and reduce the environmental residue of chemical fertilizers caused. They have generally named biofertilizers that solubilize the K-bearing minerals. Potassium solubilizing microorganisms (KSM), as biofertilizers, has gain attention in agriculture as a large area is potassium deficient. Muentz (1890) firstly described the role of microbial penetration towards potassium solubilization in rocks. He also stated about bioformulation studies of bacteria in the rhizosphere that promote plant growth. The complete replacement of chemical fertilizers to increase agricultural production and plant health is not possible but reduced to a great extent by the use of microorganisms. Various microorganisms such as Bacillus, Aspergillus and Clostridium have been shown to multiply in orthoclase, microcline, muscovite, micas and biotite under controlled laboratory conditions (Meena et al., 2015).
 
Importance of potassium solubilization
 
The potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) were derived from diffuse potassium, silicon and aluminum from K-insoluble aluminosilicate minerals, such as orthoclase, micas, illite and biotite. Managing the proper population of such type of bacteria would reduce dependence on environmentally unsafe and economically unstable chemical fertilizers. Purushothaman et al., (1974) in a study stated that such microbial distribution plays a pivotal role in transforming the excretory metabolic excretion that combines with the mineral surface, dissolving the silicon in the silicate clays. Barker et al., (1998) reported that intact microbial respiration, the decomposition of organic matter and its dissolution through carbonic acid production by microbial activity can improve the rate of mineral dissolution. Therefore, a specific type of potassium was analyzed by bacteria that dissolve minerals for the release of K and SiO2. Several studies on mineral alteration have been reported by Vandevivere et al., (1994) that the Bacillus species have the potential to solubilize K in the culture medium containing various types of minerals. They showed that Bacillus species such as B. mucilaginosus optimizes the solubilization of K and SiO2 from the various primary minerals through the release of organic acids during the decomposition process. In general, KSB plays an important role in increasing nutrient availability in the soil by increasing the soluble form of potassium.
 
Sources of potassium solubilizing microorganisms
 
In the last decade, KSB has been isolated mainly in Asian countries from various sources their ability was illustrated to release the K has been tested using different substrates. Although mica enriched locations are the sources of potassium solubilizing biofertilizers (Gundala et al., 2013). KSB strains capable of releasing microcline, potassium muriate, etc. were isolated from soils grown with various types of vegetation (Saiyad et al., 2015) where bacterial and fungal strains exhibited solubilization of potassium from various minerals (Prajapati et al., 2013). Rhizospheric soils are good sources of KSB (Padma and Sukumar 2015) that are capable of solubilizing potassium from different insoluble sources, as is the case of black pepper using wood ash with isolated deformations of the rhizosphere (Sangeeth et al., 2012) and with wheat and corn like crops root zone isolates using media enriched with different types of mica (Parmar and Sindhu 2013). Biofertilizers related to potassium can also release it from montmorillonite, feldspar (Hu et al., 2006), silicate materials (Liu et al., 2006), potassium rocks (Liu et al., 2012) and feldspar (Zeng et al., 2012) was isolated from different soils. Besides, KSB was also detected from the cotton-growing zones (Sheng and He 2006) and from the rhizospheric soil of different plants capable of releasing K from feldspar K in solid or liquid media (Kumar et al., 2015). Zarjani et al., (2013) isolated almost six bacteria strains from different Iranian soils and. Leaungvutiviroj et al., (2010) also found several KSB strains in rhizospheric soil in Thailand whereas, In Russia, the KCTC 3870T strain of Paenibacillus mucilaginosus was isolated from rocks. Similarly, In Brazil, Rosa-Magri et al. (2012) isolated two strains of fungi capable of solubilizing K from the ultramafic dust of alkaline rocks from the sugarcane rhizosphere and sugarcane vinegar by Lopes-Assad et al. (2010).
 
Diversity of potassium solubilizing microbes (KSM)
 
Different groups of soil microorganisms are involved in the release of potassium (Singh et al., 2010). A large group of soil microorganisms such as Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas, Aspergillus terreus, A. niger, etc. (Wu et al., 2005; Rajawat et al., 2016) demonstrated their ability to solubilize K minerals. These microbes are ubiquitous and their dominance depends on soil structure, texture organic matter and other properties. Most soil microorganisms are well known to colonize the rock’s surfaces (Gundala et al., 2013). Among these microbes, B. mucilaginosus can solubilize potassium from feldspar (Aleksandrov et al., 1967). Potassium solubilizing bacteria, for example, B. mucilaginosus were detected from the rhizosphere which had soils modified with K and silicates (Mikhailouskaya and Tcherhysh, 2005). These microbes (silicate solubilization) are present in rhizospheric and non-rhizospheric soils (Zahedi, 2016). Over the past decade, a wide variety of bacterial species involved in the solubilization of K have been found, including B. edaphicus, B. mucilaginosus, Burkholderia sp. A. ferrooxidans, Arthrobacter sp. etc. (Sangeeth et al., 2012). These bacteria can release K in the rhizosphere to some extent, but only a few bacterial strains such as B. mucilaginosus and B. edaphicus are very effective in solubilizing K minerals (Rajawat et al., 2016). 
 
Solubilization mechanisms of K-biofertilizer
 
Certain organic synthesis is produced by microbial metabolism through the transition from crystalline biotite, mica, vermiculite and certain rocks to an amorphous form (Weed et al., 1969). Extracellular enzymes, metabolic by-products and chelates and acids and light organic compounds form several organic ligands that can increase the release of aluminosilicate minerals. Organic acids control the further degradation of various minerals such as sandstone, granite and limestone, which is ultimately related to a decrease in the pH of the soil environment. According to Chen et al., (2007), certain strains of B. megaterium and Arthrobacter spp. were able to produce organic acids and siderophore monohydroxamate. The release of elements such as K, Si and Fe in the liquid medium is linked to organic acids and siderophores (Hutchens et al., 2003). Interactions between the soil microflora and the minerals have been extensively studied to produce technologies such as biomineralization, bioremediation and biohydrometallurgy (Venkateswarlu et al., 2012,). Jones et al., (2003) stated that processes like nutrient recovery from the roots, mineral decomposition, microbial chemotaxis, etc were related to organic acid production (Fig 1). Besides, capsular polysaccharides production helps to alter the minerals like illite and feldspar to release potassium in soil (Sheng et al., 2006). Mobilization of K resources, producing biofilms in the rhizospheric soil of the mineral surface by certain conclusive bacterial strains is also a chief factor affecting solubilization (Balogh-Brunstad et al., 2008). It was found that ectomycorrhizal cardiac networks implanted in biofilms transport nutrients to the host plants. These studies indicated that biofilms help to stimulate the alteration of soil minerals and, therefore, increase the absorption of nutrients by the plant. Some decomposing fungi can exude organic anions in the minerals present in the soil, which consequently increase the rates of mineral alteration (Van Scholl et al., 2008).

Fig 1: Mechanism of K-Solubilizing bacteria in soil ecosystem.


 
Molecular characterization of KSM
 
Previously, in the application of KSM in the cultivation fields, they were known by various biochemical tests (coloration, amylase, carbohydrates and IMViC) and PGPR activities. Therefore, molecular techniques (such as metagenomics) have provided ways to determine bacterial diversity. The limiting factor in the exploration of new enzymes and activities that promote plant growth due to the very limited variability has been the isolation and identification of microbes. Therefore, microbiology focused on two areas of study: (i) detailed study of microbial communities (ii) microbial activity (Fenchel, 2005). So main focus should based on soil microbial diversity to develop sustainable microbial pools of potassium solubilizing microorganisms.
 
Factors that affect potassium solubilization
 
Biotic factors, such as pH, temperature and mineral type containing K affect the release of potassium (Sheng and Huang 2002a). Yakhontova et al., (1987) also stated that the ability of KSB depends on the mineral composition. Welch et al., (1999) described that extracellular polysaccharides type significantly affects the release of K from minerals. Sheng et al., (2002) also demonstrated a release of 35.2 mg / L of potassium from strains of KSM in 7 days at 28oC, at a pH of 6.5 to 8.0. Lian et al., (2008) found that the K release rate showed a direct relationship with pH w. Lopes-Assad et al.  (2010) found that the percentage of K solubilization decreases at higher volumetric scales (Supanjani et al., 2006).
 
Main processes responsible for the solubilization of K
 
Many processes are involved in the solubilization of K, as shown below:
 
Erosion
 
Soil microorganisms accelerate the decomposition of rocks and minerals. This is also called abiotic change. It involves a change in mineral composition that includes physical and chemical changes. For example, a symbiosis between fungi and algae (lichens) improves the alteration of minerals and the transfer of loose materials. On the other hand, rhizobacteria, produce 2-ketogluconic acid that binds calcium and therefore acts as a powerful degradation agent in basic rocks. Alternatively, soil microorganisms during respiration produce CO2 which reacts with water and forms carbonic acid which imposes a strong dissolution impact on soil minerals.
 
Ion exchange process
 
Plants always require balanced availability of nutrients throughout the life cycle. Nutrients become available to plants by ion exchange processes. Ion exchange processes involve fixation, solubilization and adsorption and desorption in soils. Plants absorb only nutrients or ions that reach the soil solution when the proper equilibrium between soil adsorption sites and the soil solution is maintained. Lindsay (1979) also described the chemical equilibrium between the ions in the soil solution phase and the solid phase. Nutrients are adsorbed to the maximum extent, especially K when the soil is negatively charged. Soil microorganisms also contribute to ion exchange processes through the production of H+ ions and acids. In this way, potassium is released into the soil solution and becomes easily available to plants. Exchange of two K+ ions from the soil adsorption sites occurred when Ca2+ is present in excess in the soil solution and ultimately it contributes to the desorption and solubilization of it. These ions also exchange K which is trapped in mineral lattices.
 
Decomposition of organic waste
 
Decomposition of organic matter is one of the chief processes contributing to solubilization or release of K in soils. The decomposition of organic matter adds K and other nutrients to the soil. Decayed plant parts are recycled due to the action of soil microorganisms on them. These microorganisms take their food from the dead material and convert it into an inorganic form which is readily available form.
 
Role of KSM in K solubilization
 
Soil microorganisms including bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes, etc. play important role in the alteration of mineral elements. Bacterial species are chief players in this system. They are responsible for the solubilization of potassium from insoluble sources and potassium mineral lattices. The potassium released in this way becomes available for plants (Gundala et al., 2013). The history of the use of bacteria for the solubilization from K minerals is very old. For example, Aleksandrov et al., (1967) isolated silicate bacteria in agricultural soils capable of solubilizing K from aluminosilicates. Muentz (1890) also stated the participation of microbes in the potassium solubilization in rocks. Gundala et al., (2013) also reported that microbes are capable of solubilizing K from feldspar and aluminosilicates. Today, a wide range of species in the genera Bacillus, Paenibacillus, Acidithiobacillus, Pseudomonas, etc. have been reported to have the solubilization capacity of K. K solubilized by bacteria and fungi in the soil contributes significantly to the increased soil potassium availability (Sindhu et al., 2009). Mineral silicate solubilizing bacteria (MSB) have also been reported in the rhizosphere of many croplands (Lian et al., 2002). According to Mikhailouskaya and Tcherhysh (2005), KSB is also present in the roots of cereals making a symbiotic association. A huge variety of soil bacteria is reported as K solubilizers. Some examples of K solubilizers include Bacillus mucilaginosus (Basak and Biswas 2009), Burkholderia (Uroz et al., 2007), Enterobacter hormaechei (Prajapati et al., 2013) and Arthrobacter. spp. (Zarjani et al., 2013). These bacteria can be used in mines, animal feed and metallurgy in addition to being used as biofertilizers in agricultural fields (Zhao et al., 2008). Likewise, as rhizobia species can fix atmospheric nitrogen, Pseudomonas has also been reported as a K solubilizer (Requena et al., 1997).

Role of potassium solubilizing microbes in maintaining soil fertility and crop productivity
 
For sustainable crop production, it is very important to maintain soil health. An intensive agricultural system makes the soil devoid of nutrients. Soil nutrient availability can be improved through the adoption of an integrated nutrient management system (Vlek and Vielhauer, 1994). For sustainable agriculture, the use of biofertilizers is very useful to decrease the use of chemicals (Ghorbani et al., 2008). The application of biofertilizers constitutes an important element of the integrated nutrient management system. Biofertilizers are economical and ecological products (Mohammadi and Sohrabi 2012). Biofertilizers contain a series of microorganisms that increases nutrient in soil (Shanware et al., 2014). Biofertilizers also protect the plant against a series of biotic and abiotic stresses (Nadeem et al., 2013). As biofertilizers increase the solubility of native nutrient from soil, it also reduces the dependence on chemical fertilizers to achieve the required crop yield (Habibi et al., 2011). KSM increases the potassium solubility by certain mechanisms, as discussed in the previous sections. Although K rock is a cheaper source of potassium, however, a slow release of potassium results in an insignificant increase in its use in agricultural fields (Zapata and Roy 2004). The use of KSB as B. mucilaginosus can escalate the soil K content. They observed that the mere application of P and K rocks did not improve significantly the content of phosphorus and potassium in the soil; however, the application of KSM increased the P and K availability. Similarly, Supanjani et al., (2006) also demonstrated the influence of organic fertilizers that contain P and K solubilizers in the growth and yield of peppers (Capsicum annuum L.). Rock phosphate (RP) application with biofertilizers increased the K content in the soil. Abou-el-Seoud and Abdel-Megeed (2012) also reported an increase in nutrient availability after the application of biofertilizers containing PSB. It was observed that the Application of KSB with the fungus A. terreus impacts the root to shoot ratio of okra with increased K availability in the soil (Prajapati et al., 2013). It was concluded that the solubilization of K and the release of organic acids by KSM increased plant growth. Patel (2011) also demonstrated that the microbial-based product containing F. aurantia produces a plant growth-promoting substance that has increased plant growth and solubility of potassium. El-Haddad et al. (2011) demonstrated the influence of four strains of nitrogen-fixing bacteria (Paenibacillus polymyxa) and three strains of PSB (B. megaterium). They described that these biofertilizers significantly decreased the nematode attack. Similarly, KSM caused a significant increase in corn growth (Wu et al., 2005). The biofertilizer not only improved plant growth but also had a positive effect on soil health. Dasan (2012) also demonstrated the effectiveness of KSM (F. aurantia) against agrochemicals. These strains could grow in the presence of agrochemicals and can be used as agents against plant pathogens as biological control. Short shelf life, the effect of storage temperature and inadequate packaging are certain factors that affect the efficiency of biofertilizer use (Verma et al., 2011). The support material used for the preparation plays an important role in the better life of the biofertilizer before its application in the field (Brar et al., 2012). According to Bhattacharyya and Kumar (2000), the vehicle-based formulation has a longer useful life and can be used without compromising its quality for 6 months. The useful life of K solubilizer-based biofertilizers was assessed high in liquid broth formulation. Using KSB as a biofertilizer to improve agricultural productivity can also improve the quality of the environment (Liu et al., 2012). Therefore, it could be used as an ecological approach to conserving nature (Sindhu et al., 2010). Bacteria can be isolated and grow easily to develop a biofertilizer for agricultural purpose.

The continuous use of chemical fertilizers deteriorates the soil as well as affects the diversity of the microorganisms. Lin et al., (2002) evaluated a significant escalation in the solubility of K in tomato crop inoculated with a bacterium that dissolves silicate (B. mucilaginosus) compared to control. The treatment with B. mucilaginosus produced 36.6% more biomass as compared to control (Basak and Biswas 2009). Similarly, Aurantia significantly increases respective crop yields (Ramarethinam and Chandra 2006). Apart from it, microorganism activity also secretes amino acids, vitamins, gibberellic acid, etc. which help to improve plant growth (Ponmurugan and Gopi 2006). Shrubs growth in terms of the number of plumage points, intermodal length, etc. may be attributed to the action of KSB (Bagyalakshmi et al., 2012). Prajapati et al., (2013) reported okra growth by inoculation with the bacterial strain E. hormaechei. Silicate bacteria can alter K minerals in the soil, solubilize K in soil and make it available to plants (Sun and Zhang 2006). B. mucilaginosus grows well medium with potassium feldspar. Improvement in nutrient K may favor changes in a series of ~70 enzyme activities (Ai-min et al., 2013). KSM is one of the best ways to cope with the nutrient supply chain to plants (Burgstaller et al., 1992).

Many researchers have shown a significant increase in germination rate as well as seedling vigor. Aleksandrov (1985) stated that the application of organo-minerals in conjunction with silicate bacteria increased plant growth. Sheng (2005) demonstrated the influence that the application of B. edaphicus NBT promotes plant growth and nutrient absorption in cotton and oilseed rape. Sheng and He (2006) experimented with a deficient soil in potassium under wheat crop and described that after inoculation with biofertilizer, the growth of roots and sprouts of Wheat increased significantly. Likewise, Badar et al., (2006) demonstrated that the application of KSM in sorghum increased the biomass yield. Supanjani et al., (2006) reported that the combined use of K rocks with KSM increased the availability of K. According to Sugumaran and Janarthanam (2007), studied the effect of biofertilizers in peanut and found that B. mucilaginosus increased dry matter as well as oil content. Archana et al., (2008) isolated KSM from the rhizosphere of green grass (Vigna radiata L.) and reported that these KSM improved the availability of potassium in soils. Basak and Biswas (2009) observed that under sudanese herb, application of K solubilizing bacteria (B. mucilaginosus) improved the biomass yield as well as K availability. Singh et al., (2010) performed a hydroponic experiment under corn and wheat with B. mucilaginosus, Azotobacter chroococcum and Rhizobium spp. and they reported that, among Rhizobacteria, B. mucilaginosus resulted in maximum K mobilization significantly among other. According to Archana et al., (2012), Bacillus spp. resulted in a significant increase in plant growth and development. Bagyalakshmi et al., (2012) evaluated the effect of KSM under tea plantation and stated that solubilization is more in the presence of KSM as compared to control. Abou and Abdel (2012) evaluated the synergistic effects of biofertilizers with chemical fertilizers under corn crop and reported higher dissolution of K. Prajapati et al., (2013) performed a trial with Enterobacter hormaechei and K-releasing strains of fungi A. terreus to demonstrate the influence of both on plant growth and nutrient availability in soil under okra (Abelmoschus esculantus) in K. deficient soils. E. hormaechei improved the growth of roots and shoots as compared to A. terreus.
 
Role of potassium solubilizing microbes in disease resistance and stress in crops
 
Plants are exposed to many abiotic and biotic stresses, such as cooling, drought, pest and diseases (Cakmak, 2005) Optimum K availability to the plant provide resistance to them against stress, disease and pest attacks (Rehm and Schmitt, 2002) and also stated that potassium  protection to the plant against various diseases. It promotes better growth and development of the roots and strengthens the stem which offers resistance against frost and drought resistance. Potassium also improves the quality of produce (Cakmak, 2005). Microbes like Frateuria showed greater potential for providing greater resistance to water stress (Cakmak, 2005). KSM can improve plant growth, root growth and resistance to external biotic and abiotic stress. Bacterial species such as Bacillus, Enterobacter, Pseudomonas, etc. have also been used in various experiments due to their beneficial role in the plant’s growth mechanism (Hoflich et al., 1994).
 
The role of KSM in sustainable agriculture
 
Potassium is one of the main nutrients required for plant growth and development (Zhang et al., 2011). The role of potassium is well known for improving plant life and stress resistance (Khawilkar and Ramteke 1993). Potassium is useful in agricultural land along with plant growth and disease resistance, it also activates many enzyme systems, maintains turgor pressure and translocation sugars and starch. Potassium deficiency in plants is identified through poorly developed roots, slow growth and higher disease attack, delayed maturity and ultimately lower crop yields. Continuous use of chemical fertilizers makes the soil devoid of organic potassium in the soil. The solubility of organic K is very less and the maximum part of potassium exists in an insoluble form. The largest deposits of potassium are sludge, clay and sand. The most common minerals containing K are feldspar and mica and fortunately, India has the largest mica mines in some districts of Bihar and Jharkhand. Under such conditions, the application of biofertilizers can be the best approach to increase the solubility of soil potassium (Zhang and Kong 2014). Zhang and Kong (2014) conducted an experiment under tobacco, inoculated with the strains of Klebsiella variicola JM3, XF4 and XF11, showed greater height and dry weight as compared to control.

Today, biofertilizer is the best alternative for chemical fertilizer to maintain soil fertility along with sustaining crop productivity. The use of biofertilizers seems the too good possible solution to improve plant production and nutrients (Vessey 2003). Biofertilizers are applied to seeds/roots or the soil in liquid, powder, or granule form, which increased the mobility of nutrients, particularly NPK Biofertilizers can prevent nutrient leaching and lead to higher nutrient availability in the soil. They are cost-effective and environmentally friendly compared to chemical fertilizers. Although the use of biofertilizers has grown in recent years because chemical fertilizers are expensive and can have adverse environmental impacts (Aseri et al., 2008).
 
Strategies to improve the efficiency of potassium solubilization for use as a biofertilizer
 
Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in different biogeochemical cycles (Wall and Virginia 1999). Microorganisms provide a sustainable and safe ecological system. The mechanism of potassium solubilization by microbes has been studied extensively, but K solubilization is a complex phenomenon affected by various factors, such as microorganism type, soil fertility, mineral type and environment. Apart from it, the vitality of microbes after inoculation into the soil is the chief factor. Intensive scientific work paved the way for a better understanding of the specific regulatory and signaling processes that govern the association of microorganisms with the plants (Matilla et al., 2007). The use of molecular techniques for the genetic modification of microorganisms resulting in their better functioning in the rhizosphere (Ryan et al., 2009), which leads to a substantial improvement in nutrient cycling. Proper characterization of bacterial isolates that solubilize K for other characteristics that favor plant growth and nutrient solubility are also necessary to find out bacterial strains with many other useful functions (Sindhu et al., 2002). Soil engineering with the inoculation of these beneficial bacterial strains with optimum availability of soil organic matter is extremely important to maintain the life cycle of these microorganisms. There is a need to maintain prime levels of quality insurance in terms of microbial populations in the formulation with a long shelf life in commercial formulations (Lian et al., 2007). Care must also be taken while selecting strains that are well adapted to the local environment (high temperature, alkaline/acidic, or low water soils) (Kirk et al., 2004). Bacterial strains having effective solubilization activity under high buffer conditions should be isolated and analyzed deeply. Mutagenesis remains a powerful tool for the development of more efficient and effective strains. Strategies are needed to clone genes from KSM and transfer these genes to microbial strains with good colonization potential (Zhang et al., 2013). Synthesis of genes through metagenomic analysis is another area of   research (Ryan et al., 2001). The microbial interactions in the soil between the N, P and K solubilizing microorganisms are also in need to study (Sindhu et al., 2014). The development of better cultural practices and better administration systems can also improve the establishment of microorganisms in the rhizosphere (Sindhu and Dadarwal, 2000). Production of liquid-based formulations is also expected to advance the biofertilizer use technology compared to other older carrier-based technologies. Mixture application of PGPR with various useful activities may be a more ecological approach, as they can lead to their better establishment in the environment. Therefore, the use of biotechnological approaches for the manipulation of bacterial characteristics will improve the efficiency of KSM.
 
KSB’s potentials and challenges in the industry
 
KSB increases the process of solubility of K from different mineral surfaces by various means of action. Efforts were made to use KSM to release K from different minerals containing K (Saha et al., 2016) and thus increase plant nutrient availability. Although KSB can be a reasonable alternative to increase the solubility of insoluble K forms. Its application in agricultural practices is still limited due to a lack of proper knowledge among farmers. Similarly, low curiosity among scientists about the progress of K biofertilizer improvement techniques and the development of microbial deposit banks are not yet established well for KSB. In particular, due to such type less interest in working on KSB. Therefore, the inadequacy of innovation related to the durability of carriers and product formulations are among the major limitations of the industry, which should need to be soon improved.

CONCLUSION

KSM plays an important role in increasing the availability of potassium in the soil by increasing the soluble form of potassium. Besides, vigorous research in this area is necessary to isolate native strains of microorganisms capable of not only solubilizing K but also other nutrients. In this way, these microbes can be more beneficial for soil health and crop quality.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

None

REFERENCES


  1. Abou-el-Seoud, Abdel-Megeed, A. (2012). Impact of rock materials and biofertilizations on P and K availability for maize (Zea maize) under calcareous soil conditions. Saudi J Biol Sci. 19: 55-63.

  2. Ai-min, Z., Gang-yong, Z., Shuang-feng, Z., Rui-ying, Z., Bao-cheng, Z. (2013) Effect of phosphorus and potassium content of plant and soil inoculated with Paenibacillus kribensis CX-7 strain antioxidant and antitumor activity of Phyllanthus emblica in colon cancer cell lines. Int. J. Curr. Microbiol. Appl. Sci. 6: 273-279.

  3. Aleksandrov, V.G. (1985). Organo-mineral fertilizers and silicate bacteria. Dokl Akad Nauk. 7: 43-48.

  4. Aleksandrov, V.G., Blagodyr, R.N., Ilev, I.P. (1967). Liberation of phosphoric acid from apatite by silicate bacteria. Microchem J. 29: 111-114.

  5. Archana, D.S., Savalgi, V.P., Alagawadi, A.R. (2008). Effect of potassium solubilizing bacteria on growth and yield of maize. Soil Biol Ecol. 28: 9-18.

  6. Aseri, G.K., Jain, N., Panwar, J., Rao, A.V., Meghwalc, P.R. (2008). Biofertilizers improve plant growth, fruit yield, nutrition, metabolism and rhizosphere enzyme activities of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) in Indian. Thar Desert. Sci Hortic. 117(2): 130-135.

  7. Badar, M.A., Shafei, A.M., Sharaf, El-Deen, S.H. (2006). The dissolution of K and phosphorus bearing minerals by silicate dissolving bacteria and their effect on sorghum growth. Res. J Agric Biol Sci 2:5-11.

  8. Bagyalakshmi, B., Ponmurugan, P., Marimuthu, S. (2012). Influence of potassium solubilizing bacteria on crop productivity and quality of tea (Camellia sinensis). Afr J. Agric. Res. 7(30): 4250-4259.

  9. Balogh-Brunstad, Z., Keller, C.K., Gill R.A., Bormann, B.T., Li, C.Y. (2008). The effect of bacteria and fungi on chemical weathering and chemical denudation fluxes in pine growth experiments. Biogeochem 88: 153-167.

  10. Barker, W.W., Welch, S.A., Chu, S., Banfield, F. (1998). Experimental observations of the effects of bacteria on aluminosilicates weathering. Am Mineral. 83: 1551-1563.

  11. Basak, B.B., Biswas, D.R. (2009). Influence of potassium solubilizing microorganism (Bacillus mucilaginosus) and waste mica on potassium uptake dynamics by Sudan grass (Sorghum vulgare Pers.) grown under two Alfisols. Plant Soil. 317: 235-255.

  12. Bhattacharyya, P., Kumar, R. (2000). Liquid biofertilizer current knowledge and prospect National seminar on development and use of biofertilizers, biopesticides and organic manures. Bidhan Krishi Viswavidyalaya, Kalyani. Pp. 10-12.

  13. Brar, S.K., Sarma, S.J., Chaabouni, E. (2012). Shelf-life of Biofertilizers: An accord between formulations and genetics. J. Biofertil Biopesticide. 3: 1-2.

  14. Burgstaller, Z.A., Sreasser, H., Wobking, H., Shinner, F. (1992). Solubilization of zinc oxide from filter dust with Penicillium simplicissimum bioreactor, leaching and stoichiometry. Environ Sci Technol. 26: 340-346.

  15. Cakmak, I., (2005). The role of potassium in alleviating the detrimental effects of abiotic stresses in plants. J. Plant Nutr. Soil Sci. 168: 521-530.

  16. Chen, Z., Cuin, T.A., Zhou, M., Twomey, A., Naidu, B.P., Shabala, S. (2007). Compatible solute accumulation and stress-mitigating effects in barley genotypes contrasting in their salt tolerance. J. Exp. Bot. 58: 4245-4255.

  17. Dasan, A.S. (2012). Compatibility of agrochemicals on the growth of phosphorous mobilizing bacteria Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum potassium mobilizing bacteria Frateuria aurantia. Appl Res Dev Inst J. 6: 118-134.

  18. El-Haddad, M.E., Mustafa, I., Selim Sh, M., El-Tayeb, T.S., Mahgoob, A.E., Abdel-Aziz, N.H. (2011) The nematicidal effect of some bacterial biofertilizers on Meloidogyne incognita in sandy soil. Braz J Microbiol. 42: 105-113.

  19. Fenchel, T. (2005). Cosmopolitan microbes and their cryptic’ species. Aquat Microb Ecol. 41(1): 49-54.

  20. Ghorbani, R., Koocheki, A., Jahan, M., Asadi, G.A. (2008). Impact of organic amendments and compost extracts on tomato production and storability in agroecological system. Agron J. 28: 307-311.

  21. Gundala, P.B., Chinthala, P., Sreenivasulu, B. (2013). A new facultative alkaliphilic, potassium solubilizing Bacillus sp. SVUNM9 isolated from mica cores of Nellore District Andhra Pradesh, India: Research and Reviews. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2: 1-7.

  22. Habibi, A., Heidari, G., Sohrabi, Y., Badakhshan, H., Mohammadi, K. (2011). Influence of bio, organic and chemical fertilizers on medicinal pumpkin traits. J. Med. Plants Res. 5: 5590- 5597.

  23. Hoflich, G., Wiehe, W., Khn, G. (1994). Plant growth stimulation with symbiotic and associative rhizosphere microorganisms. Experientia. 50: 897-905.

  24. Hu, X., Chen, J., Guo, J. (2006). Two phosphate- and potassium- solubilizing bacteria isolated from Tianmu Mountain, Zhejiang, China. World J. Microbiol Biotechnol. 22: 983- 990. 

  25. Hutchens, S.E., Valsami, J.E., Eldowney, M.S. (2003). The role of heterotrophic bacteria in feldspar dissolution. Minerol Mag. 67: 1151-1170.

  26. Jones, D.L., Shannon, D.V., Murphy, D., Farrar, J. (2003). Role of dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) in soil N cycling in grassland soils. Soil Biol Biochem. 36: 749-756.

  27. Khawilkar, S.A., Ramteke, J.R. (1993). Response of applied K in cereals in Maharashtra. Agric: 5: 84-96.

  28. Kirk, J.L., Beaudette, L.A., Hart, M., Moutoglis, P., Klironomus, J.N., Lee, H., Trevors, J.T. (2004). Methods of studying soil microbial diversity. J. Microbiol Methods. 58: 169- 188.

  29. Kumar, A., Bahadur, I., Maurya, B.R., Raghuwanshi, R., Meena, V.S., Singh, D.K., Dixit, J. (2015). Does a plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria enhance agricultural sustainability? J. Pure Appl Microbiol. 9(1): 715-724.

  30. Leaungvutiviroj, C., Ruangphisarn, P., Hansanimitkul, P., Shinkawa, H., Sasaki, K. (2010). Development of a new biofertilizer with a high capacity for N2 fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization and auxin production. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem. 74: 1098-1101.

  31. Lian, B., Fu, P.Q., Mo, D.M., Liu, C.Q. (2002). A comprehensive review of the mechanism of potassium release by silicate bacteria. Acta Mineral Sin 22: 179-182.

  32. Lian, B., Wang, B., Pan, M., Liu, C., Tang, H.H. (2007). Microbial release of potassium from K-bearing minerals by thermophilic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Geochem Cosmochim Acta. 72: 87-98.

  33. Lin, Q.M., Rao, Z.H., Sun, Y.X., Yao, J., Xing, L.J. (2002). Identification and practical application of silicate- dissolving bacteria. Agric. Sci China. 1: 81-85.

  34. Lindsay, W.L. (1979). Soil chemical equilibria. Wiley, New York.

  35. Liu, D., Lian, B., Dong, H. (2012). Isolation of Paenibacillus sp. and assessment of its potential for enhancing mineral weathering. Geomicrobiol. J. 29: 413-421.

  36. Liu, W., Xu, X., Wu, X., Yang, Q., Luo, Y., Christie, P. (2006). Decomposition of silicate minerals by Bacillus mucilaginosus in liquid culture. Environ Geochem Health. 28: 133-140.

  37. Lopes-Assad, M.L., Avansini, S.H., Rosa, M.M., De Carvalho, J.R., Ceccato-Antonini, S.R. (2010). The solubilization of potassium-bearing rock powder by Aspergillus niger in small-scale batch fermentations. Can J Microbiol. 56(7): 598-605. 

  38. Matilla, M.A., Espinosa-Urgel, M., Roderiguez-Herva, J.J., Ramos, J.L., Ramos-Gonzalez, M.I. (2007). Genomic analysis reveals the major driving forces of bacterial life in the rhizosphere. Genome Biol. 8: R179.

  39. Meena, R.K., Singh, R.K., Singh, N.P., Meena, S.K., Meena, V.S. (2015a). Isolation of low temperature surviving plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) from pea (Pisum sativum L.) and documentation of their plant growth- promoting traits. Biocatal Agric Biotechnol. DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2015.08.006.

  40. Mikhailouskaya, N., Tcherhysh, A. (2005). K-mobilizing bacteria and their effect on wheat yield. Latvian J. Agron. 8: 154-157.

  41. Mohammadi, K., Sohrabi, Y. (2012). Bacterial biofertilizers for sustainable crop production: A review. ARPN J Agric Biol Sci. 7(5): 307-316.

  42. Muentz, A. (1890). Surla decomposition desroches etla formation de la terre arable. C R Acad Sci. 110: 1370-1372.

  43. Nadeem, S.M., Naveed, M., Zahir, Z.A., Asghar, H.M. (2013). Plant-microbe Interactions for Sustainable Agriculture: Fundamentals and Recent Advances. In: Plant-microbe Symbiosis: Fundamentals and Advances. [Arora, N.K. (ed)] Springer, New Delhi. 

  44. Padma, S.D., Sukumar, J. (2015). Response of mulberry to inoculation of potash mobilizing bacterial isolate and other bio-inoculants. Glob J. Biosci Biotechnol. 4: 50-53.

  45. Parmar, P., Sindhu, S.S. (2013). Potassium solubilization by rhizosphere bacteria: Influence of nutritional and environmental conditions. J. Microbiol Res. 3: 25-31.

  46. Patel, B.C. (2011). Advance method of preparation of bacterial formulation using potash mobilizing bacteria that mobilize potash and make it available to crop plants. WIPO Patent Application WO/2011/154961.

  47. Ponmurugan, P., Gopi, C. (2006). In vitro production of growth regulators and phosphatase activity by phosphate solubilizing bacteria. Afr J Biotechnol. 5(4): 348-350.

  48. Prajapati, K., Sharma, M.C., Modi, H.A. (2013). Growth promoting effect of potassium solubilizing microorganisms on Abelmoscus esculantus. Int J Agric Sci. 3: 181-188.

  49. Purushothaman, D.A., Chandramohan, S., Natarajan, R. (1974). Distribution of silicate dissolving bacteria in vellar estuary. Curr Sci. 43: 282-283.

  50. Rajawat, M.V.S., Singh, S., Tyagi, S.P., Saxena, A.K. (2016). A modified plate assay for rapid screening of potassium-solubilizing bacteria. Pedosphere. 26(5): 768-773.

  51. Ramarethinam, S., Chandra, K. (2006). Studies on the effect of potash solubilizing bacteria Frateuria aurantia (Symbion- K-liquid formulation) on Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.) growth and yield. Pestology. 11: 35-39.

  52. Rehm, G., Schmitt, M. (2002). Potassium for Crop Production. in: Nutrient Management. University of Minnesota.

  53. Requena, B.N., Jimenez, I., Toro, M., Barea, J.M. (1997). Interactions between plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR), arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Rhizobium spp. in the rhizosphere of Anthyllis cytisoides, a model legume for revegetation in Mediterranean semi-arid ecosystem. New Phytol. 136: 667-677.

  54. Rosa-Magri, M.M., Avansini, S.H., Lopes-Assad, M.L., Tauk-Tornisielo, S.M., Ceccato-Antonini, S.R. (2012). Release of potassium from rock powder by the yeast Torulaspora globosa. Braz Arch Biol Technol 55: 577-582.

  55. Ryan, P., Dessaux, Y., Thomashow, L., Weller, D. (2009). Rhizosphere engineering and management for sustainable agriculture. Plant Soil. 321: 363-383.

  56. Ryan, P.R., Delhaise, E., Jones, D.L. (2001). Function and mechanism of organic anion exudation from plant roots. Annu Rev Plant Physiol Plant Mol Biol. 52: 527-560.

  57. Saha, M., Maurya, B.R., Meena, V.S., Bahadur, I., Kumar, A. (2016). Identification and characterization of potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) from Indo-Gangetic Plains of India. Biocatal Agric Biotechnol 7: 202-209.

  58. Saiyad, S.A., Jhala, Y.K., Vyas, R.V. (2015). Comparative efficiency of five potash and phosphate solubilizing bacteria and their key enzymes useful for enhancing and improvement of soil fertility. Int J Sci Res Pub. 5: 1-6.

  59. Sangeeth, K.P., Bhai, R.S., Srinivasan, V. (2012). Paenibacillus glucanolyticus, a promising potassium solubilizing bacterium isolated from black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) rhizosphere. J Spices Aromat Crop. 21: 118-112.

  60. Shanware, A.S., Kalkar, S.A., Trivedi, M.M. (2014). Potassium solubilizers: Occurrence, mechanism and their role as competent biofertilizers. Int J. Curr Microbiol App Sci. 3: 622-629.

  61. Sheng, X.F. (2005). Growth promotion and increased potassium uptake of cotton and rape by a potassium releasing strain of Bacillus edaphicus. Soil Biol Biochem. 37: 1918-1922.

  62. Sheng, X.F., He, L.Y. (2006). Solubilization of potassium bearing minerals by a wild type strain of Bacillus edaphicus and its mutants and increased potassium uptake by wheat. Can J Microbiol. 52: 66-72.

  63. Sheng, X.F., He, L.Y., Huang, W.Y. (2002). The conditions for releasing potassium by a silicate dissolving bacterial strain NBT. Agric Sci China. 1: 662-666.

  64. Sheng, X.F., Huang, W.Y. (2002a). Mechanism of potassium release from feldspar affected by the strain NBT of silicate bacterium. Acta Pedol Sin. 39: 863-871.

  65. Sindhu, S.S., Dadarwal, K.R. (2000). Competition for nodulation among rhizobia in Rhizobium-legume symbiosis. Indian J Microbiol. 40: 211-246.

  66. Sindhu, S.S., Dua, S., Verma, M.K., Khandelwal, A. (2010). Growth Promotion of Legumes by Inoculation of Rhizosphere Bacteria. In: Microbes for Legume Improvement. [(eds) Khan, M.S., Zaidi, A., Musarrat, J.] Springer- Wien, New York. Pp. 195-235.

  67. Sindhu, S.S., Parmar, P., Phour, M. (2014). Nutrient cycling: Potassium Solubilization by Microorganisms and Improvement of Crop Growth. In: Geomicrobiology and Biogeochemistry Soil Biology. [(eds) Parmar, N., Shing, A.] Springer, Heidelberg. Pp. 175-198.

  68. Sindhu, S.S., Suneja, S., Goel, A.K., Parmar, N., Dadarwal, K.R. (2002). Plant growth-promoting effects of Pseudomonas sp. on coinoculation with Mesorhizobium sp. Cicer strain under sterile and wilt sick soil conditions. Appl Soil Ecol. 19: 57-64.

  69. Sindhu, S.S., Verma, M.K., Suman, M. (2009). Molecular Genetics of Phosphate Solubilization in Rhizosphere Bacteria and its Role in Plant Growth Promotion. In: Phosphate Solubilizing Microbes and Crop Productivity. [(eds) Khan, M.S., Zaidi, A.]. Nova science publishers. New York. Pp. 199-228.

  70. Singh, G., Biswas, D.R., Marwah, T.S. (2010). Mobilization of potassium from waste mica by plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria and its assimilation by maize (Zea mays) and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). J Plant Nutr. 33: 123-1251.

  71. Sugumaran, P., Janarthanam, B. (2007). Solubilization of potassium-containing minerals by bacteria and their effect on plant growth. World J Agric Sci. 3(3): 350-355.

  72. Sun, D.S., Zhang, Q. (2006). Screening of silicate bacteria and bio-leaching silicon from silicate ores. J Xi’an Univ Sci Technol. 26(2): 235-239.

  73. Supanjani Han, H.S., Jung, S.J., Lee, K.D. (2006). Rock phosphate potassium and rock solubilizing bacteria as alternative sustainable fertilizers. Agron Sustain Dev. 26: 233-240.

  74. Uroz, S., Calvaruso, C., Turpault, M.P., Pierrat, J.C., Mustin, C., Frey-Klett, P. (2007). Effect of the mycorrhizosphere on the genotypic and metabolic diversity of the bacterial communities involved in mineral weathering in a forest soil. Appl Environ Microbiol. 73: 3019-3027.

  75. Van Scho¨ll, L., Kuyper, T.W., Smits, M.M., Landeweert, R., Hoffland, E., van Breemen, N. (2008). Rock-eating mycorrhizas: Their role in plant nutrition and biogeochemical cycles. Plant and Soil. 303: 35-40.

  76. Vandevivere, P., Welch, S.A., Ullman, W.J., Kirchman, D.J. (1994). Enhanced dissolution of silicate minerals by bacteria at near-neutral pH. Microb Ecol. 27: 241-251.

  77. Venkateswarlu, B., Singh, A.K.R., Srinivasa Rao C.G., Kumar, K.A., Virmani, S.M. (2012). Natural resource management for accelerating agricultural productivity. Studium Press (India) Pvt. Ltd, New Delhi. p. 234.

  78. Verma, M., Sharma, S., Prasad, R.  (2011). Liquid biofertilizers: advantages over carrier-based biofertilizers for sustainable crop production. News L Intl Soc Environ Bot. 17: 2pp.

  79. Vessey, J.K. (2003). Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria as biofertilizers. Plant Soil. 255: 571-586.

  80. Vlek, P.L.G., Vielhauer, K. (1994). Nutrient management strategies in stressed environments. In:  Stressed Ecosystems and Sustainable Agriculture. [(eds) Virmani S.M., Katyal, J.C., Eswaran, H., Abrol, I.P.] Oxford and IBH Publishing Co. New Delhi. Pp. 203-229.

  81. Wall, D.H., Virginia, R.A. (1999). Control of soil biodiversity- insight from extreme environments. Appl Soil Ecol. 13: 137-150.

  82. Weed, S.B., Davey, C.B., Cook, M.G. (1969). Weathering of mica by fungi. Soil Sci Soc Am. 33: 702-706.

  83. Welch, S.A., Barker, W.W., Banfield, J.F. (1999). Microbial extracellular polysaccharides and plagioclase dissolution. Geochim Cosmochim Acta. 63: 1405-1419.

  84. Wu, S.C., Cao, Z.H., Li, Z.G., Cheung, K.C., Wong, M.H. (2005). Effects of biofertilizer containing N-fixer, P and K solubilizers and AM fungi on maize growth: A greenhouse trial. Geoderma. 125: 155-166.

  85. Xie, J.C. (1998). Present situation and prospects for the world’s fertilizer use. Plant Nutri Fertil Sci. 4: 321-330.

  86. Yakhontova, L.K., Andreev, P.I., Ivanova, M.Y., Nesterovich, L.G. (1987). Bacterial Decomposition of Smectite Minerals. Dokl Akad Nauk USSR. 296: 203-206.

  87. Zahedi, H. (2016). Growth-Promoting Effect of Potassium-Solubilizing Microorganisms on Some Crop Species. In: Potassium Solubilizing Microorganisms for Sustainable Agriculture, [Meena, V.S., Maurya, B.R., Prakash Verma, J. and Meena, R.S., (Eds.)], Springer, New Delhi, 31-42.

  88. Zapata, F., Roy, R.N. (2004). Use of Phosphate Rock for Sustainable Agriculture. FAO and IAEA, Rome. 

  89. Zarjani, J.K., Aliasgharzad, N., Oustan, S., Emadi, M., Ahmadi, A. (2013). Isolation and characterization of potassium solubilizing bacteria in some Iranian soils. Arch Agron Soil Sci. 59: 1713-1723.

  90. Zeng, X., Liu, X., Tang, J., Hu, S., Jiang, P., Li, W., Xu, L. (2012). Characterization and potassium-solubilizing ability of Bacillus circulans Z1-3. Adv Sci Lett. 10: 173-176.

  91. Zhang, A.M., Zhao, G.Y., Gao, T.G, Wang, W., Li, J., Zhang, S.F., Zhu, B.C. (2013) Solubilization of insoluble potassium and phosphate by Paenibacillus kribensis CX-7: A soil microorganism with biological control potential. Afr J Microbiol Res. 7: 41-47.

  92. Zhang, C., Kong, F. (2014). Isolation and identification of potassium- solubilizing bacteria from tobacco rhizospheric soil and their effect on tobacco plants. Appl Soil Ecol. 82: 18-25.

  93. Zhang, Q.C., Wang, G.H., Feng, Y.K., Qian, P., Schoe-nau, J.J. (2011). Effect of potassium fertilization on soil potassium pools and rice response in an intensive cropping system in China. J. Plant Nutr. Soil Sci. 174: 73-80.

  94. Zhao, F., Sheng, X., Huang, Z., He, L. (2008). Isolation of mineral potassium-solubilizing bacterial strains from agricultural soils in Shandong Province. Biodiv Sci. 16: 593-600.
Reviewed By

Download Article
In this Article
    Contact us
    Follow us

    Editorial Board

    View all (0)