Phosphorus Dissolution by Microbial Activities: 2. Effect of Rock of Rock Phosphate Dissolution by Thiobacillus on Phosphorus Uptake and Growth of Corn.

Abstract

This experiment was aimed at evaluation of phosphorus availability resulted from rock phosphate dissolution by microbial activities. The experiment was initiated by improving some conditions of solution and soil, used as planting media, for optimal activities of Thiobacillus, a bacterium strain isolated from Ongkaruk soil. The corn seeds were planted in the solution and soil using rock phosphate, from Lumphun province, as a source of phosphorus fertilizer. The results indicated clearly that the inoculated Thiobacillus was able to dissolve phosphate from rock phosphate and available to plant, when this inoculated treatment was compared to that of uninoculated one highly significant difference was observed. Upon comparison of phosphorus uptake and dry weight of corn, it appeared that those observed in inoculated treatment were markedly higher than those observed in uninoculated one (addition with sterelized medium culture). It is hoped that these experimental results would support efficient uses of rock phosphate.