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Microorganisms in Soils: Roles in Genesis and Functions pp 177–191Cite as

Influence of Microorganisms on Phosphorus Bioavailability in Soils

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Part of the book series: Soil Biology ((SOILBIOL,volume 3))

6 Conclusions

Soil microorganisms, particularly the rhizosphere flora of higher plants, remarkably affect the phosphorus bioavailability in soils. Microbially derived carboxylic acids mobilize calcium phosphates as well as iron- and aluminum-bound phosphorus. Microbial mineralization of organic matter is essential for nutrient cycling in soils and phosphatases enhance the use of organic P compounds by higher plants. Plants, especially in nutrient-poor habitats like forest ecosystems, often depend on symbiotic relations with microorganisms like mycorrhizal fungi. However, rhizosphere flora also decomposes P-mobilizing substances derived from plant roots. Microorganisms can be powerful competitors for growth-limiting nutrients like P, but microbial turnover can also make P available for higher plants. The difficulty in quantifying all these complex and partially contrary processes is a substantial weak point in mathematical P-utilization models as well as in the use of P-mobilizing microbes as biofertilizers. The investigation of these complex effects with modern methods, which cover also the large majority of noncultivable microorganisms, is an important aim for further research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Adam-Kuckhoff Str. 17b, 06108, Halle, Germany

    Annette Deubel & Wolfgang Merbach

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  1. Annette Deubel
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  2. Wolfgang Merbach
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. School Life Science Mol. Genetics Lab., Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Mehrauli Road, 110067, New Delhi, India

    Ajit Varma

  2. Amity Institute of Herbal and Microbial Studies, Sector 125 New Super Express Highway, Noida, India

    Ajit Varma

  3. Institut für Botanik Abt. Terrestrische Ökologie, Universität Leipzig, Johannisallee 21, 04103, Leipzig, Germany

    Francois Buscot

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Deubel, A., Merbach, W. (2005). Influence of Microorganisms on Phosphorus Bioavailability in Soils. In: Varma, A., Buscot, F. (eds) Microorganisms in Soils: Roles in Genesis and Functions. Soil Biology, vol 3. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/3-540-26609-7_9

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