Role of Renuvis (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria) in Improving Phosphorus Use Efficiency (PUE)

Increase Phosphorus Use Efficiency in India

Role of Renuvis (Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria) in Improving Phosphorus Use Efficiency (PUE)

Phosphorus is one of the key essential nutrients for plants, along with nitrogen and potassium. These three nutrients are often referred to as the primary macronutrients because they are required in larger quantities compared to other nutrients.

Phosphorus is an important nutrient for plants, playing several Key roles in their growth and development –

  • Energy Transfer: Phosphorus is vital for the process of photosynthesis, helping plants convert sunlight into energy.
  • Root Development: It supports the growth of strong and healthy roots.
  • Flowering and Fruiting: Phosphorus is vital for the development of flowers, fruits, and seeds.
  • Cell Functions: It aids in cell division and development of new tissue, which is crucial for plant growth.
  • Disease Resistance: Adequate Phosphorus in plants improves resistance against diseases and environmental stresses.

A significant portion of phosphorus applied to soil gets fixed and becomes unavailable to plants. This is very serious issue in acidic and calcareous soils where phosphorus binds tightly to the soil particles. Because of this Phosphorus Use Efficiency (PUE) is very low compared to other nutrients, which vary between 15 to 25%.

This is where Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) comes into play. These beneficial microorganisms have the unique ability to convert insoluble forms of phosphorus into soluble forms that plants can readily absorb.

Renuvis –

Mosaic introduced Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) under the Trade name “Renuvis” to address the challenges of low phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) in agriculture. This high-quality, Bacillus-based microbial product is designed to significantly enhance nutrient availability and improve crop yields.

Mode of Action of Renuvis –

  • Organic Acid Production: PSB in Renuvis produces organic acids such as hydroxy glutaric acid, propionic acid, gluconic acid, glucuronic acid, glutaric acid, glyceric acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid, malonic acid, pyruvic acid and succinic acid, which chelate the cations bound to phosphate, releasing soluble phosphorus.
  • Enzyme Secretion: Enzymes like phosphatases and phytases break down organic phosphorus compounds into inorganic forms.
  • Proton Release: During the solubilization process, PSB release hydrogen ions (H⁺) into the soil. This proton extrusion helps to dissolve phosphate minerals, making phosphorus more available to plants.

Benefits of Renuvis –

  • Enhanced Phosphorus Availability: PSB in Renuvis can convert insoluble phosphorus in the soil into forms that plants can readily absorb. This increases the overall availability of phosphorus, which is often a limiting nutrient in many soils.
  • Improved Crop Yields: By making more phosphorus available to plants, Renuvis can help improve root development, flowering, and fruiting, leading to higher crop yields. This is principally helpful in soils with low phosphorus.
  • Sustainable Agriculture: Using PSB reduces the need for chemical phosphorus fertilizers, which can be costly and environmentally damaging. Renuvis promotes a more sustainable approach to farming by leveraging natural soil microorganisms.
  • Soil Health: Renuvis can also improve soil health by enhancing microbial activity and diversity. This can lead to better soil structure and increased nutrient cycling, further benefiting plant growth.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: For farmers, Renuvis offers a cost-effective solution to improve phosphorus use efficiency. By reducing dependency on chemical fertilizers, farmers can lower their input costs while maintaining or even increasing their crop productivity.

Renuvis Comes in 2 Grades to Suit Different Farming Practices –

  • Renuvis Phos-Pro: Specifically formulated for fertigation systems.
  • Renuvis Phos-Pro Coat: Designed for coating fertilizers.

Features of Renuvis –

  • Versatile application methods (fertigation and fertilizer coating)
  • Special storage conditions are not required
  • 24 months shelf life
  • Compatible with fertilizers

Conclusion –

Renuvis represents a significant advancement in biofertilizer technology, offering a reliable and sustainable solution to the challenges of nutrient management in agriculture. Adopting Biofertilizers in regular farming practices will reduce dependency on chemical fertilizers. With Integrated Nutrient Management farmers can improve soil fertility, productivity and nutrient supply at optimum levels thereby improving soil health and safeguarding our ecosystem.

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Author: Yogananda Gowda MCRegional Agronomist at Mosaic India, (Masters in Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry).

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