Phosphate Biosolubilization: Mechanisms and Applications for Sustainable Agriculture

The exponential growth of the world's population has created a need to improve agricultural production in a sustainable manner. Phosphate solubilization is a vital process that determines plant productivity. However, the availability of P in the soil is very limited due to chemical reactions that fix it in insoluble forms. The sustainability of agrosystems requires the use of low-cost, ecologically sound, and environmentally friendly agricultural practices, such as the use of biofertilizers. This book focuses on the mechanisms of phosphate solubilization and the physiological functions of MSPs, particularly phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), in order to better understand their eco-physiology and, consequently, to gather knowledge for managing a sustainable environmental system. In conclusion, MSPs are likely to serve as an effective biofertilizer, particularly in P-deficient areas, to increase overall crop yields.