Revitalization of potassium solubilizing microbes in food production system: An overview

Potassium is one of the main nutrients required for plant growth and development. Potassium is useful in agricultural for better plant growth and disease resistance. Potassium deficiency in plants is identified through poorly developed roots, slow growth and higher disease attack, delayed maturity and ultimately lower crop yields. Continuous use of chemical fertilizers makes the soil devoid of organic potassium in the soil. Under such conditions, the application of biofertilizers can be the best approach to increase the solubility of soil potassium. The potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB) were derived from diffuse potassium, silicon and aluminum from K-insoluble aluminosilicate minerals, such as orthoclase, micas, illite and biotite. KSB plays an important role in increasing nutrient availability in the soil by increasing the soluble form of potassium.