Phosphate Solubilizing Fungi Research Articles

The Regulation of Phosphorus Release by Penicillium chrysogenum in Different Phosphate via the TCA Cycle and Mycelial Morphology.

Phosphate-solubilizing fungi (PSF) efficiently dissolve insoluble phosphates through the production of organic acids. This study investigates the mechanisms of organic acid secretion by PSF, specifically Penicillium chrysogenum, under tricalcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2, Ca-P) and ferric phosphate (FePO4, Fe-P) conditions. Penicillium chrysogenum exhibited higher phosphorus (P) release efficiency from Ca-P (693.6mg/L) than from Fe-P (162.6mg/L). However, Fe-P significantly enhanced oxalic acid (1193.7mg/L) and citric acid (227.7mg/L) production by Penicillium chrysogenum compared with Ca-P (905.7 and 3.5mg/L, respectively). The presence of Fe-P upregulated the expression of genes and activity of enzymes related to the tricarboxylic acid cycle, including pyruvate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase. Additionally, Fe-P upregulated the expression of chitinase and endoglucanase genes, inducing a transformation of Penicillium chrysogenum mycelial morphology from pellet to filamentous. The filamentous morphology exhibited higher efficiency in oxalic acid secretion and P release from Fe-P and Ca-P. Compared with pellet morphology, filamentous morphology enhanced P release capacity by > 40% and > 18% in Ca-P and Fe-P, respectively. This study explored the strategies employed by PSF to improve the dissolution of different insoluble phosphates.

Isolation of phosphate solubilizing fungi from vegetable rhizosphere and their effects on growth of Tomato (Lycopersicon spp.)

Isolation of phosphate solubilizing fungi from vegetable rhizosphere and their effects on growth of Tomato (Lycopersicon spp.)

Isolation And Characterization Of Phosphate Solubilizing Fungi From Fruit And Vegetable Peel Waste Compost Fertilizer

Phosphate solubilizing fungi are fungi that can convert phosphate in soil from compound form (almost insoluble) into ionic form (easily soluble) so that it can be utilized by plants. The purpose of this study was to determine the isolation and characteristics of phosphate solubilizing fungi isolates found in fruit and vegetable peel waste compost. This research was conducted in January 2023 until completion in the Laboratory of the Faculty of Science and Technology, Labuhanbatu University. This research was carried out by isolating fungi from municipal waste compost, characterizing morphology and the ability to dissolve phosphate and molecular identification. Furthermore, the data were analyzed descriptively based on the research results obtained. There were 4 isolates of phosphate solubilizing fungi that were able to form clear zones on Pikovskaya media with different morphological characteristics and ability to dissolve phosphate. The largest clear zone diameter was shown in isolate A3 of 3 cm which is Aspergillus niger fungus.

Alkalinity exacerbates phosphorus deficiency in subtropical red soils: Insights from phosphate‐solubilizing fungi

AbstractRed soils in subtropical regions are often low in available phosphorus (P), a vital plant nutrient. Phosphate‐solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) can release P from phosphate reservoir, making it accessible to plants. However, the complex interactions between PSMs and minerals in red soils are not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effects of Aspergillus niger, a typical phosphate‐solubilizing fungus (PSF), on phosphate dissolution in two representative red soils – an acidic soil and an alkaline soil. In the acidic red soil, the fungal abundance reached 3.01 × 10 7 cfu g−1 after a 28‐day incubation period, with respiration of ~2000 mg C kg−1. The secretion of oxalic acid promoted P release from inorganic phosphate (from ~1 to 187 mg kg−1). Additionally, the contents of amorphous Fe/Al oxides decreased, which otherwise could have contributed to P sorption in the soil. In contrast, P availability declined in the alkaline red soil after the addition of A. niger, regardless of the P source (inorganic or organic phosphate). Meanwhile, the fungal respiration decreased to ~780 mg C kg−1. Therefore, alkaline red soils with abundant carbonates are susceptible to P deficiency due to both the diminished function of PSMs and strong soil buffering. These findings have important implications for sustainable agriculture on alkaline red soils, as they suggest that the use of PSMs to improve P availability may be limited.

T-DNA insertion mutagenesis in Penicillium brocae results in identification of an enolase gene mutant impaired in secretion of organic acids and phosphate solubilization.

Penicillium brocae strain P6 is a phosphate-solubilizing fungus isolated from farmland in Guangdong Province, China. To gain better insights into the phosphate solubilization mechanisms of strain P6, a T-DNA insertion population containing approximately 4500 transformants was generated by Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation. The transformation procedure was optimized by using a Hybond N membrane for co-cultivation of A. tumefaciens and P. brocae. A mutant impaired in phosphate solubilization (named MT27) was obtained from the T-DNA insertion population. Thermal asymmetric interlaced PCR was then used to identify the nucleotide sequences flanking the T-DNA insertion site. The T-DNA in MT27 was inserted into the fourth exon of an enolase gene, which shows 90.8 % nucleotide identity with enolase mRNA from Aspergillus neoniger. Amino acid sequence homology analysis indicated that the enolase is well conserved among filamentous fungi and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Complementation tests with the MT27 mutant confirmed that the enolase gene is involved in phosphate solubilization. Analysis of organic acids in culture supernatants indicated reduced levels of oxalic acid and lactic acid for the MT27 mutant compared to the parent strain P6 or the complementation strain. In conclusion, we suggest that the identified enolase gene of P. brocae is involved in production of specific organic acids, which, when secreted, act as phosphate solubilizing agents.

Phosphatase activity of Phosphate Solubilizing Fungi Isolation from Rhizosphere Soil of Medicinal Plants of Shivamogga District

Phosphatases are a group of enzymes which significantly accelerate the release of inorganic phosphate from organically bound phosphate and return to the soil by phosphate solubilizing fungi. Hence for the present study, we focused on the activity of phosphatase. Total 46 fungi were isolated from 55 rhizosphere soils of medicinal plants at Malnad regions of Shivamogga district. Among them, 10 isolates were selected by screening them using their solubilization index ranging from 3.02 to 3.96 and they were further evaluated. The selected 10 isolates showed good results in phosphate solubilization parameters. Decreased pH was observed in culture broth (4.3 to 3.0) from initial pH of 6.89. Amount of acid present in the culture broth (30.01 - 38.08g/L) and concentration of phosphate (70 - 20μg/ml) were recorded. The phosphatases activity was determined on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days after incubation at room temperature. Among them, PSF 44 (Aspergillus awamori) showed maximum alkaline phosphatase activity of 0.81, 1.53, 2.15 and 2.38μg PNP liberated/ml/min and acid phosphatases activity of 0.71, 1.34, 2.30 and 2.34μg PNP liberated/ml/min on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day respectively after incubation. Hence due to the maximum phosphatase activity and phosphate solubilization capacity of Aspergillus awamori, they can be recommended as phospho-fungal bioinoculum for agricultural field.

An Exploratory Research on the Adoption of Different Phosphate-Solubilizing Fungi for Production of Phosphate Biofertilizers

Using the inherent capacity of the soil to meet the nutritional needs of plants is considered an efficient and environmentally friendly solution. In order to study the survival of different phosphate-solubilizing fungi in different combinations of rock phosphate and organic matter as the basis of biofertilizer with the aim of producing an effective formula of biological phosphorus granular fertilizer, this study was conducted as a factorial experiment based on a completely randomized design with three replications. For this purpose, after isolating phosphate-solubilizing fungal strains from agricultural soils in different regions of Iran (Fars, Kermanshah and Razavi Khorasan provinces), the superior strains with high growth stimulating capability were selected for bio-fertilizer formulation based on determination of fungi survival. In order to study the survival of the superior strains [including Talaromyces pinophilus strain 1FB, T. pinophilus strain MFA, Talaromyces verruculosus strain PF157-2 and Aspergillus tubingensis strain PF140-2], six levels of carrier including 100% rock phosphate, 80% rock phosphate + 20% organic matter, 60% rock phosphate + organic matter 40%, 40% rock phosphate + 60% organic matter, 20% rock phosphate + 80% organic matter and 10% rock phosphate + 90% organic matter were used in three temperature levels (28, 40 and 50 °C) during eight time periods (15 days, 30 days, 45 days, 60 days, 75 days, 90 days, 105 days and 120 days) under incubation condition. The results showed that based on the longer time of survival, and the instruction of Soil and Water Research Institute, Karaj, Iran, for the minimum acceptable number of phosphate solubilizing fungi in granulated phosphate microbial fertilizer, a granulated phosphate microbial fertilizer included each of the isolates (respectively PF 157-2 > PF 140-2 > MFA≫ 1FB), a carrier with at least 20% rock phosphate + at least 20% organic matter, and at the temperature of 28 or 40 °C may be developed and recommended in the agricultural soils as an environment-friendly source of phosphorus.

Lead remediation is promoted by phosphate-solubilizing fungi and apatite via the enhanced production of organic acid.

Lead (Pb) is one of the most common heavy metal pollutants in the environment, which can indirectly or directly threaten human health. Lead immobilization by apatite can reduce the effectiveness of Pb cations via the formation of pyromorphite (Pyro). However, the formation of Pyro is always depending on the release of phosphorus (P) from apatite. Phosphate-solubilizing fungi (PSF) can secrete large amounts of organic acid to promote the release of P from apatite. Although the combination of PSF and apatite has shown a huge potential in Pb remediation, this pathway needs to be more attention, especially for organic acid secretion by PSF. This research mainly reviews the possible pathway to strengthen Pb immobilization by PSF and apatite. Meanwhile, the limitation of this approach is also reviewed, with the aim of a better stabilizing effect of Pb in the environment and promoting the development of these remediation technologies.

Immobilization of Heavy Metals in Contaminated Soil using Calcium Phosphate Amendment and Phosphate-solubilizing Fungi (Penicillium sp) in Benin City, Edo state, Nigeria

Soil is a limited resource that is continually contaminated by the presence of heavy metals as a result of human activities. This study used a combination of calcium phosphate amendment and phosphate-solubilizing fungi to immobilize heavy metals in polluted soil. Bovine bones were collected at an Abattoir Market in Aduwawa, Benin City, Nigeria with coordinates 6°22’6.24” N and 5°41’0.24” E and calcined to extract calcium-phosphate (hydroxyapatite), serial dilution and plating on Pikovskaya medium were utilized to obtain fungi extract from fertile soil. Prior to remediation, heavy metal analysis of polluted soil indicated high value of metal concentrations zinc 120.60mg/kg, chromium 22.67 mg/kg, cadmium 11.23 mg/kg, lead 18.43 mg/kg, iron 187.27 mg/kg and nickel 10.62 mg/kg above the World Health Organization permissible limit. There was a decrease in zinc and iron contents after the first week of treatment. The second week demonstrated a significant decrease in all metal concentrations; 27.53% for Zn, Cr 39.83%, Cd 46.13%, Pb 7.60%, Fe 46.26% and Ni 15.07% – indicating the treatment’s effectiveness.

Effect of Phosphate Solubilizing Fungi from Rhizosphere soil of Medicinal plants on Growth and Phosphate uptake in Raphanus sativus

This field experiment deals with the isolation and evaluation of phosphate solubilizing fungi of a total of 9 isolates isolated from 10 rhizosphere soil of medicinal plants by serial dilution method using Pikovaskaya’s medium. After screening, 3 fungi were selected and evaluated, PSF 7 (Talaromyces sp.) showed good results in phosphate solubilization including solubilization index (3.08), reduced pH (3.2 from initial pH 6.8), titrable acidity (38.08), and phosphate present in culture broth (25µg/ml). The radish seeds showed 88% germination and growth, yield parameters include, plant height – 20.9cm, 40.8cm, and 71.5cm at 15 days, 30 days, and harvest respectively, several leaves at 9, 13, and 17 at 15 days, 30days and harvest respectively, root length (24.5cm), the weight of biomass (fresh weight -152 and dry weight – 15.7) and yield of root vegetable weight (39g). The maximum plant phosphorus uptake was recorded as 0.371% and the maximum P (Kg/ha) available in the rhizosphere soil was recorded as 344.29 Kg/ha. Due to the observation of good results in phosphate solubilization, they improve the growth and yield of radish. The selected PSF were recommended as phosphate bio inoculums in the agricultural field to improve plant growth and yield in radish and to maintain soil fertility.

Impact Assessment of Varied Agroclimatic Conditions on Phosphate Solubilization Potential of Fungi in Fermentation and Soil-Plant System

In this work, two phosphate solubilizing fungi viz., Aspergillus tubingensis S33 and A. niger S36 were studied under different physiochemical and nutritional parameters in the lab, and in vitro under soil-plant experiments at two very distinct agro-climatic conditions viz., Banasthali, Tonk (Rajasthan), and Dwarahat, Almora (Uttarakhand), India. Phosphate-solubilizing capability was checked with different carbon and nitrogen sources. Maltose, glucose, and fructose were optimal carbon source in A. tubingensis S33 while fructose in the case of A. awamori S33. Amongst nitrogen sources, S33 showed maximum phosphate solubilization with ammonium sulfate while, S36 with ammonium sulfate and sodium nitrate. Ammonium was more stimulating than nitrate as the chief nitrogen source. In vivo experiments revealed that solubilization was noticeable at all the temperatures, but optimal temperature was 25–35℃. The optimal initial pH for Tricalcium Phosphate (TCP) solubilization was 8.0. The ideal concentration of TCP for solubilization was 7.5 g∙l−1. The application of both strains in two different geographical sites exhibited a significant (p<0.05) rise in wheat growth, grain yield, and available Phosphorus (P). Fungal inoculation with TCP amendment exhibited a more notable effect on growth, yield, and soil fertility than control. This study support that these isolates will be able to work efficiently in varied climatic conditions and will show consistent efficiency on field application.

The Role of Phialocephala fortinii in Improving Plants' Phosphorus Nutrition: New Puzzle Pieces.

Plants' mineral nutrition in acidic soils can be facilitated by phosphate solubilizing fungi inhabiting the root systems of these plants. We attempt to find dark septate endophyte (DSE) isolates in the roots of wild-heather plants, which are capable of improving plants' phosphorus nutrition levels. Bright-field and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used for the visualization of endophytes. A model system of co-cultivation with Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait. was used to study a fungal isolate's ability to supply plants with phosphorus. Fungal phytase activity and phosphorus content in plants were estimated spectrophotometrically. In V. vitis-idaea L. roots, we obtained a Phialocephala fortinii Wang, Wilcox DSE2 isolate with acid phytase activity (maximum 6.91 ± 0.17 U on 21st day of cultivation on potato-dextrose broth medium) and the ability to accumulate polyphosphates in hyphae cells. The ability of the isolate to increase both phosphorus accumulation and biomass in V. macrocarpon is also shown. The data obtained for the same isolate, as puzzle pieces put together, indicate the possible mediation of P. fortinii DSE2 isolate in the process of phosphorus intake from inorganic soil reserves to plants.

The high accumulation of phosphorus in high-yield paddy soils: A new insight from cutans

Phosphorus (P) is a key limiting nutrient for crops. Oscillation of redox conditions usually induces formation of Fe-enriched cutans in the plow layer of paddy soils. This study investigated P biogeochemistry in the cutans, which were collected from high-yield paddy soils in Taihu Lake region, China. Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that the content of Fe3+ was eight times higher than Fe2+ in the cutans. Based on the evidences from XRD and wet chemical analysis, the enriched Fe in the cutans mostly existed as amorphous oxides, which owned high surface areas for P sorption. In addition, the cutans were composed of spherical particles with diameters of 20–130 μm under microscopy. Moreover , the particles showed evident “trench” structures on their top surface under SEM imaging. These features caused the cutans to retain three times higher P than that in the matrix soils. Furthermore, the cutans demonstrated both high microbial richness and community diversity, in contrast to the matrix soils. In particular, the abundance of phosphate-solubilizing fungi (with relatively highly competitive saprophytic ability) was also significantly promoted. Therefore, the cutans could be considered as hotspots of P accumulation in paddy soils. The subsequent enhancement of the available P would promote rice production.

Long-term high-P fertilizer input shifts soil P cycle genes and microorganism communities in dryland wheat production systems

Phosphorus (P) fertilizer input influences crop yield, soil P cycling, and phosphate-solubilizing microorganism (PSM) communities, which play a key role in obtaining soil available phosphorus. However, the responses of soil P cycle genes and PSM communities to long-term high-P fertilizer application are less known in the Chinese Loess Plateau. In this study, metagenomics was used to explore the shifts in the abundance and compositions of soil P cycle genes and PSM communities at a long-term (14 years) trial site with four P fertilization rates. Long-term high-P (200 kg P2O5 ha−1 year−1) inputs resulted in a decrease in the abundance of the P-starvation response genes (phoR and phoP), the high-affinity phosphate-specific transporter (pst), the inorganic P-solubilization, and organic P-mineralization genes (gcd, pqq, and phoD). Long-term P inputs increased the abundance of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria but decreased the abundance of phosphate-solubilizing fungi and weakened the relationship of relevant key soil P genes. Soil total P, inorganic P, available P (AP), dissolved organic C contents, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity were significantly related to soil P cycle genes and PSM community structure. In conclusion, the changes in soil P cycle genes and microbial P solubilization capacity under long-term P input conditions were mainly regulated by soil AP content and ALP activity, while long-term high-P inputs increased soil mineral P immobilization by altering the expression of soil P cycle genes and the PSM functional profiles. These consequences provide a new view for the study of soil P cycles in agricultural ecosystems with P inputs.

Efficient bioimmobilization of cadmium contamination in phosphate mining wastelands by the phosphate solubilizing fungus Penicillium oxalicum ZP6

In recent years, Cd contamination in phosphate mining wastelands has become increasingly serious, posing a great threat to ecological stability and human health. In this study, we aimed to investigate the bioremediation effect and mechanisms of phosphate-solubilizing fungi (Penicillium oxalicum ZP6) on Cd contamination in phosphate mining wastelands. A liquid shake-flask experiment showed that strain ZP6 was able to solubilize phosphate rock by reducing the pH, thus effectively removing Cd2+. Moreover, strain ZP6 adsorbed Cd2+ mainly through tight binding. Soil experiments showed that 81.64% Cd2+ removal was achieved after 21 d of inoculation with ZP6. FTIR and XRD analyses revealed that strain ZP6 achieved bioimmobilization of Cd2+ through the formation of Cd-phosphate and Cd-oxalate precipitates. Inoculation with strain ZP6 increased the microbial community diversity of Cd-contaminated soil from a phosphate mining wasteland, increasing the relative abundance of unclassified-d-unclassified and Actinobacteria. The activation of high-abundance genes (ATPF1A, atpD, GGT, cydA, and G6PD) was promoted, thereby enhancing the expression of signaling and metabolism-related functional genes. Our study indicates that strain ZP6 has enormous potential for bioremediation of Cd in phosphate mining wastelands. It also provides an efficient, green and economical biomaterial for remediating Cd contamination in phosphate mining wastelands.

Application of Biocom-Phosphate Solubilizing Fungi and Coal Fly-Ash to Increase P-Availability of Peat Soil in Kalimantan

The peatlands have the potential to support food security efforts. However, there is have constraints on soil fertility, especially the P nutrients availability. The biotechnology approach, the application of ameliorant (biochar-compost carrier medium (biocom)) enriched with phosphate solubilizing fungi (PSF) and coal fly ash (CFA), was expected to increase the P-availability in peat soils. The research aimed to study the application of biocom enriched with PSF and CFA to increase soil P-availability and plant P-uptake. The study was conducted using peat soil media with the formulation of CFA and biocom enriched with PSF and CFA as treatments. The treatment effect was observed through soil P available and plant P uptake of maize. The results showed PSF application was inconsistent in improving P available in peat soils in Kalimantan. In Central Kalimantan, Biocom + PSF was able to increase P available in peat soils by up to 406.18% (A. oryzae-Tb7) and 353.44% (N. fischeri-Tm8). However, in South Kalimantan P available in peat soil was only 8.04% (A. oryzae-Tb7) and 12.86% (N. fischeri-Tm8). The CFA+ (biocom+PSF) formulation increased P available in Central Kalimantan peat soils, but it was different from South Kalimantan peat soils. The application of biocom+PSF and CFA has not been able to increase the P uptake of maize plant in peatlands of South Kalimantan.

Aspergillus niger Enhances Organic and Inorganic Phosphorus Release from Wheat Straw by Secretion of Degrading Enzymes and Oxalic Acid.

To explore the mechanisms of crop straw degradation and phosphorus (P) release by phosphate-solubilizing fungi (PSF), a typical PSF Aspergillus niger (A. niger, ANG) was investigated for the degradation of wheat straw (WST) in this work. The results revealed that A. niger significantly increased wheat straw degradation (30%) compared with no A. niger treatment (7.7%). Meanwhile, more than 92% of total P was released from WST by A. niger, much higher than from WST treatment (69.5%). Although the ratios of inorganic P release between WST and WST + ANG treatments were similar (17.6 vs 19.7%), a significant difference occurred between their release of organic P, i.e., WST (51.9%) vs WST + ANG (72.5%). The high enzyme activity of β-1,4-glucanase and β-glucosidase produced by A. niger contributed to the wheat straw degradation and organic P release compared with no A. niger treatment. Oxalic acid secreted by A. niger dominated the release of inorganic P from WST. Our findings suggested that A. niger is an efficient microbial agent for crop straw degradation and P release, which could be a candidate in the pathway of straw return.

Phosphate solubilizing microorganisms isolated from medicinal plants improve growth of mint.

The current research project involves isolation and characterization of PSM (phosphate solubilizing microorganisms) from the rhizospheric soil of certain medicinal plants and to determine their effect on plant growth. Medicinal plants, Aloe vera, Bauhinia variegata, Cannabis sativa, Lantana camara and Mentha viridis were selected for the isolation of PSMs. Soil status of the selected medicinal plants was also checked. Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) were observed under stereomicroscope for their morphological characteristics and Gram’s staining. Phosphate solubilizing fungi (PSF) were also identified microscopically. Colony diameter, halo zone diameter and solubilization index were determined on PVK agar plates. TLC results indicated that citric acid was the most common acid produced by PSM strains. All strains were found to be non-pathogenic in pathogenicity test. A positive plant growth response to PSM inoculation was observed in all studies. In study 1, individual inoculation of PSM showed a significant increased effect on plant growth parameter i.e., fresh and dry weight, plant height and root and shoot length as compared to control. In study2, composite inoculation of PSM along with different P sources revealed that rock phosphate (RP) with PSM increased growth of plants significantly. The present study suggests that PSM inoculation along with RP amendment can be used as biofertilizer.

Abundance of Beneficial Soil Microbes in the Rhiosphere of Coffee Plants Infected by Pratylenchus coffeae

Enzymatic transformation in the cycle of nutrients of Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in soil can only be carried out by microbes. The latest approach in coffee cultivation is to utilize soil microbes to enhance plant growth, also to reduce the attack of the nematode Pratylenchus coffeae on coffee roots. This exploratory study aimed to observe the attack of P. coffeae and the presence of N-fixing bacteria (NFB) and P- solubilizing microbes (PSM) in the coffee rhizosphere which in turn have the potential to be used as biological fertilizers and bioprotectants of coffee plants. The study was conducted in PT Perkebunan Kalibendo's Arabica and Robusta coffee fields, East Java, on immature plants (IP) and mature plants (MP). This exploration explained that the IP and MP arabica and robusta coffee plantations were attacked by P. coffeae. NFB and PSM were successfully isolated from the rhizosphere of both coffee plantations types. The population of NFB Azotobacter in IP was lower than in MP, but the PSM population in IP rhizosphere was not different from that in MP. Based on morphological and biochemical characterization, three isolates of Azotobacter bacteria, six species of P- solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and six species of phosphate-solubilizing fungi (PSF) were obtained. This exploration confirmed that the microbes involved in the N and P cycle colonized the coffee rhizosphere which was attacked by P. coffeae. Further research is recommended to observe the effectiveness of microbes as biological fertilizers and bioprotectants for coffee plants.

Isolation of phosphate solubilizing fungus from rice fields of Odisha for agro‐ecological sustainable agriculture

AbstractPhosphorus (P), the second most essential nutrient, plays a remarkable role in energy transfer, storage, plant growth, and development. It is the least mobile and accessible to plants in most soil conditions as compared to the other key nutrients. Phosphate‐solubilizing fungus (PSF) plays a vital role in supplying phosphorous to plants from the soil. Hence this research intends to assess the phosphorous and nutritional status of collected soil samples as well as isolation of potential fungal strains. Twelve soil samples were taken from three costal districts of Odisha (Bhadrak, Jajpur, and Balasore). All six key soil parameters like pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium were examined for correlation and found to be significantly associated with each other. Fungal colonies were enumerated, grown and pure colonies were found. A total of four potential fungal strains were isolated, screened from rhizospheric soil and evaluated for their phosphate solubilization efficiency on Pikovskaya's agar selective media. They produce the halo zones around their colony approximately 3.3 cm (PRF2), 2.96(PRF3), and 3.06(PRF4) cm within 10 days of incubation. Aspergillus niger was a highly efficient strain in solubilizing phosphate with the solubilization index (SI) of 3.56 cm and also showed the greatest drop in pH in the PVK broth containing rock phosphate.