Isolation and biochemical screening of Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria from Kans grass rhizosphere of Fly Ash Dump Sites near NTPC, Angul

Soil bacteria, capable of converting insoluble phosphorus into soluble, plant-accessible forms, collectively known as phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), have emerged as an eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for supplying phosphorus to plants. This study presents preliminary insights into the rhizospheric bacterial population associated with the vigorously growing kans grass (Saccharum spontaneum L.) at different fly ash disposal sites of NTPC, Kaniha in Angul district, Odisha. In the quest for efficient plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strains with diverse beneficial activities, a total of sixteen bacterial isolates were collected from the rhizosphere of chosen plant species and identified, with only ten isolates underwent biochemical characterization. Among these, four isolates exhibiting a higher phosphate-solubilizing index were further characterized, serving as a foundation for future exploration of the bio-prospective potential of rhizosphere bacteria in this unique ecological niche. Further assessment of these isolates, showcasing several plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, is essential to determine their efficacy as potent PGPR agents.