K-biofertilizer
Potassium (K) is considered an essential nutrient and a
major constituent within all living cells. The application of chemical
fertilizers has a considerably negative impact on environmental sustainability.
Many bacteria such as Acidothiobacillus ferrooxidans, Paenibacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus
mucilaginosus, B. edaphicus, and B. circulans have
the capacity to solubilize insoluble K minerals (e.g., biotite, feldspar,
illite, muscovite, orthoclase, and mica) to soluble forms for plant uptake.
Potash solubilizing bacteria are major K-biofertilizers used in sapota crops in the form of soil treatment.