Augmenting Phosphate Solubilizing Bacterial Survival Using Biochar

Abstract

This study investigated the survival rate of phosphate solubilizing bacterial (PSB) isolates stored in talcum powder, cocopeat, and biochar, commonly used bioinoculant carrier materials. Four bacterial strains, viz. Klebsiella aerogenes LC515412, Klebsiella pneumoniae LC515413, Kocuria flava LC515414, and Enterobacter hormaechei LC515415 were stored in sterilized flasks at 28 °C for 60 days. The results showed a progressive decline in viable counts over time for each carrier material. In talcum powder, K. pneumoniae had the highest population retention, while K. flava had the lowest. Cocopeat exhibited good bacterial survival initially, but significant population drops were observed after 60 days. Biochar produced encouraging results, and K. pneumoniae exhibited the highest initial population, but its viability declined significantly over time. Overall, the findings suggest that biochar-based formulations can enhance the survival of specific bacterial strains; however, performance is strain-dependent. Further research is needed to optimize carrier formulations and to validate PSB viability and stability across extended storage durations and varying storage conditions.