Twenty-one isolates of phosphate solubilizing microorganisms (Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Enterobacteriaceae, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Paecilomyces) were evaluated for their solubilizing capacity and potential in broth media (Glucose-Yeast Extract) amended with different types of phosphates (Ca, Al or Fe), in the presence of N sources (peptone, ammonium and nitrate) as well as concentrations of Fe, Ca and potassium. Microbial growth and phosphate solubilizing activity varied according to the microorganism and the nutrient supplied. Ammonium increased solubilization activity of six isolates and three of these solubilized only in this source. Nitrate decreased solubilizing activity and in some instances, completely inhibited solubilization. In general, the solubilizing activity of microbial isolates was not affected by different concentrations of iron. Low concentrations of Ca and K limited the growth of five isolates that characteristically form large colonies (Aspergillus). Solubilization of calcium phosphate was increased by two of these isolates. Variations in the phosphate solubilizing capacity and potential of microorganisms as a response to the conditions in the growth medium indicate that the process occurs with variable efficiency or suggest the presence of different mechanisms of solubilization.
phosphorus; soil; microorganisms; solubilization; nitrate; ammonium
