Exploration of
Native PSB in Saline and Semiarid Agroecosystems of Western Maharashtra
Bhavikatti Bharati Kadsiddheshwar, Supanekar Shirishkumar Vishnu, Mali G.V. and
Mulani Arif A.
Res. J. Chem. Environ.; Vol. 30(1); 1-10;
doi: https://doi.org/10.25303/301rjce01010; (2026)
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to isolate and characterize phosphate-solubilizing
bacteria (PSB) from semi-arid and saline soils in the Sangli and Kolhapur districts
of Maharashtra to assess their potential as biofertilizers in stress-prone agricultural
environments. Fifteen soil samples were collected from saline and drought-affected
areas. Ten different PSB isolates (PSSB1-PSSB8, PSSG11 and PSSA1) were obtained
and characterized based on colony features, Gram reaction, motility, biochemical
traits and enzymatic activities. The isolates showed varying phosphate solubilization
indices (PSI), with PSSB6, PSSB7, PSSB4, PSSB8 and PSSG11 being the most efficient.
These PSBs exhibited traits such as ammonia production, urease activity and acid
phosphatase potential, indicating stress tolerance. The results support the development
of PSB-based bioinoculants that are resistant to salt and drought, aiming to increase
phosphorus availability, improving soil fertility and promoting sustainable agriculture
in the challenging agroecosystems of Western Maharashtra.
