Efficiency of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria to address phosphorus fixation in Takhli soil series: a case of sugarcane cultivation, Thailand

Aim The efficiency test of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) biofertilizer had two objectives: (i) to study the effect of the use of PSB on phosphate solubilization of the Takhli (Tk) soil series in soil columns and, (ii) to study their impact on sugarcane (cv. Lampang) cultivation in pots. Methods PSB were identified and examined for phosphate-solubilizing activity on culture medium. In soil columns, the available phosphorus was analyzed from leached water. In pots, the yield and yield components of sugarcane were measured at age 12 months. Results The PSB belonged to the Bacillus group. The use of PSB at a rate of 64 g kg(-1) in the Tk soil series produced the highest available phosphorus at 30.00 mg L-1 at 90 days under the soil column. PSB with chemical fertilizers according to soil analysis improved the yield and yield components of sugarcane with increasing rates of PSB. The maximum yield of sugarcane was produced with N:P:K chemical fertilizer (47:47:47 kg ha(-1)) with the PSB rate of 225 kg ha(-1). Conclusions Application of PSB can address the problem of phosphorus fixation in the Takhli soil series. Furthermore, the PSB had the ability to promote the yield and yield components of sugarcane cultivation in pots.

Automated summary

The efficiency test of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria biofertilizer showed that PSB can address phosphorus fixation in the Takhli soil series and improve the yield and yield components of sugarcane cultivation.