Review Article

Harnessing the Power of Microflora Diversity: Exploring Alternative Solutions to Phosphorus Scarcity in the Soil-Plant System

Sheetanshu Gupta¹, Dhirendra Kumar², Milind D. Joshi³, Santosh Marahatta⁴, Aakriti Tamrakar⁵, Kumari Sunita⁶, Anoop G Zacharia⁷ and Wajid Hasan^8*

¹College of Basic Science and Humanities, G.B.P.U.A & T, Pantanagar, UK, India.

²Department of Botany, Chaudhary Bansi Lal University Bhiwani, Haryana, India.

³Plant Protection, Agricultural Development Trust’s Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Baramati, Maharashtra, India.

⁴Department of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Chitwan, Nepal

⁵Guru Ghasidas vishwavidyalaya, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, India.

⁶Department of Botany, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University Gorakhpur, India.

⁷Tamilnadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, India.

^8*Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jehanabad, Bihar Agriculture University, Bihar, India 

*Corresponding author e-mail: entowajid@gmail.com

(Received: 29/02/2024; Revised: 28/04/2024; Accepted: 15/05/2024; Published: 20/06/2024)

ABSTRACT

Phosphorus (P) scarcity poses a significant challenge to sustainable agriculture, impacting plant growth and crop productivity. While arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi have been extensively studied for their role in enhancing phosphorus acquisition, this review explores the potential of diverse microflora as alternative solutions. The diverse microflora groups, including rhizobacteria, actinomycetes, and cyanobacteria, contribute to phosphorus availability through various mechanisms. These microfloras produce organic acids, enzymes, and chelators that enhance phosphorus solubility and mineralization, facilitating nutrient cycling. Moreover, they promote root growth, nutrient uptake efficiency, and plant growth through the production of growth-promoting substances. Unravelling the molecular interactions between microflora and plants has provided insights into signalling pathways and genetic mechanisms governing the symbiotic association. Harnessing the power of diverse microflora offers potential benefits, including reduced reliance on chemical fertilizers, improved nutrient use efficiency, and environmental sustainability. Future research directions involve exploring unexplored microflora groups, manipulating microbial communities, and integrating microflora-based strategies with precision agriculture technologies. This review highlights the significance of diverse microflora as alternative solutions to address phosphorus scarcity and advance sustainable agricultural practices.

Keywords: Phosphorus scarcity, microflora, alternative solutions, nutrient cycling, sustainable agriculture.