Advances in Mechanisms and Applications of Potassium-solubilizing Bacteria
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54097/rd4dme36Keywords:
Potassium-solubilizing Bacteria (KSB), Potassium Release Mechanism, Agricultural Application, Environmental RemediationAbstract
Potassium (K) is an essential macronutrient required for plant growth and development. However, the majority of soil K exists in insoluble mineral forms that are not readily available for direct plant uptake. Although the long-term and heavy application of chemical K fertilizers has to some extent alleviated soil K deficiency, it has simultaneously given rise to ecological risks, including soil compaction, acidification, and water eutrophication. Potassium-solubilizing bacteria (KSB), a group of functional microorganisms capable of converting insoluble K-bearing minerals into plant-available forms, have demonstrated considerable potential in promoting sustainable agriculture and ecological environmental remediation. This review systematically summarizes the definition, research history, major species, and functional characteristics of KSB, and elaborates on their K-release mechanisms from the perspectives of acidolysis, enzymolysis, and polysaccharide complexolysis. On this basis, the review focuses on the application progress of KSB in agricultural production, covering soil fertility enhancement and crop yield improvement, regulation of soil microbial community structure, enhancement of crop stress resistance, and improvement of the agro-ecological environment. Furthermore, the review explores the multifaceted application potential of KSB in the remediation of heavy metal contamination in mining areas, the restoration of soil fertility on mine lands, and the resource recovery of industrial waste. Finally, addressing the current bottlenecks, including limited strain resources, insufficient environmental adaptability, and the lack of long-term safety assessments, this review proposes future research directions and prospects from the perspectives of multi-source strain exploration and targeted improvement, development of multi-strain synergistic consortia, expansion of application scenarios, and establishment of industrial standards. This review aims to provide a reference for fundamental research and the industrial application of KSB.
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