Role of phosphate solubilizing fungi during phosphocompost production and their effect on the growth of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L) plants

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of phosphate solubilizing fungi (Aspergillus awamori and Trichoderma viride) in phosphocompost preparation along with low grade rock phosphate. Co-inoculation of phosphate-solubilizing fungi significantly increased the nutrient value of the compost that explores high P-solubilizing potential of A.awamori and T.viride which can be exploited for the solubilization of fixed phosphates thereby enhancing soil fertility and plant growth. Rock phosphate application along with phosphate solubilizing fungi increased 69.2% acid phosphatase and 65% alkaline phosphatase activity over ordinary compost. With co-inoculation, maximum P content (64.3%) was observed followed by single inoculation with A.awamori (62.2%). The present findings revealed that phosphate solubilizing fungi can interact positively in promoting nutrient content of compost and plant growth leading to improved yield.