Microbial Consortium of Trichoderma viride and Other Phosphate Solubilizing Microorganisms for Enhanced Phosphate Solubilization in Paddy Cultivation

Abstract

The study investigates the role of Trichoderma viride (T.V) in enhancing phosphorus solubilization and its impact on Rice (Oryza sativa) cultivation. Phosphorus (P) is a critical nutrient for plant growth, but its availability in soil is often limited due to its fixation into insoluble forms. T.V, a phosphate-solubilizing fungus (PSF), has been shown to improve P availability through the production of organic acids, promoting better nutrient uptake and plant growth. Trichoderma-enriched biofertilizer reduces the application of chemical fertilizers and therefore, can be considered as a noble practice in sustainable agriculture. The high efficiency of T.V is the result of its potential of nutrient solubilization and harboring soil microorganisms. This study applied T.V both alone and in combination with other phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms (PSMs) such as Azotobacter chroococcum (A.C) and Pseudomonas striata (P.S) in paddy fields. The results demonstrated a significant increase in microbial populations, phosphorus solubilization, and grain yield. The highest yield increase was observed in treatments combining T.V with other PSMs, indicating a synergistic effect. These findings suggest that T.V is a valuable biofertilizer that can improve soil fertility, enhance crop productivity, and promote sustainable agriculture by reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers. Further research is recommended to optimize its use under varying soil conditions.