Published Paper Details:

Phosphorus availability in soil is often limited due to its presence in insoluble forms, leading to reduced plant growth and productivity. Microbial phosphate solubilization presents a sustainable strategy to enhance phosphorus availability in soil. In this study, phosphate- solubilizing fungi were isolated from soil samples and evaluated using qualitative and quantitative assays. Fourteen fungal isolates were obtained and tentatively identified based on morphological characteristics, primarily belonging to the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium. Screening on Pikovskaya's agar medium revealed phosphate solubilizing activity in only two isolates, which are identified as Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. Quantitative estimation in liquid medium supplemented with 0.5% tricalcium phosphate showed a time-dependent increase in soluble phosphate concentration, after seven days. Phosphate solubilization was associated with acidic pH conditions, suggesting organic acid-mediated dissolution. These findings highlight the strain-specific nature of phosphate solubilization and support the potential application of selected Aspergillus isolates in sustainable agriculture.