Phosphate-solubilising microorganisms mainly increase plant phosphate uptake by effects of pH on root physiology

Organisms intended to solubilise soil phosphate are chosen on their ability to produce a clear halo on a plate containing a sparingly soluble phosphate. This involves production of acidity. However, if these organisms establish on plant roots any benefit from increased acidity is likely to be as a result of increased rate of uptake of phosphate by plant roots rather than from increased desorption of phosphate from soil.

Automated summary

Organisms chosen for solubilising soil phosphate are selected based on their ability to produce acidity on a plate with sparingly soluble phosphate. If these organisms establish on plant roots, any benefits from increased acidity are likely to come from an increased rate of phosphate uptake by the roots rather than increased desorption from the soil.