Isolation and Characterization of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria from Calcareous Soil

The present investigation was conducted with aim to isolate and characterize phosphate solubilizing bacteria from calcareous soil. Four efficient PSB isolates were obtained from fourteen soil samples collected from different locations. Based on morphological and biochemical characterization, highly phosphate solubilizing isolates were identified as Pseudomonas fluorescence, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. The amount of Pi released from TCP by the isolates at 10 DAI ranged from 23.2 to 30.5 % and zone of solubilization recorded between 6 -13 mm. Among them PSB isolate 1 (Pseudomonas fluorescence) recorded highest Pi released from TCP broth i:e (30.5 %) and zone of solubilization recorded (13 mm) than the other isolates tested.