**6. Improved phosphorus-availability in soil: implications for sustainable agriculture and crop production**

The PSB are known to solubilize P from organic and inorganic sources and make P more available for plant uptake [6]. When introduced into the rhizosphere, PSB can improve the availability of P in soil and enhance plant growth and development [101]. One potential implication of using PSB in sustainable agriculture is the reduced need for synthetic fertilizers. Synthetic fertilizers are commonly used to supplement soil P levels but can have negative environmental impacts such as eutrophication and groundwater pollution [102]. Using PSB, farmers can reduce their reliance on synthetic fertilizers and promote more sustainable agricultural practices. Another implication of using PSB is the potential for improved crop yields and food security. The availability of P in soil is a limiting factor for crop production. PSB can increase the amount of available P and enhance crop growth and development [103], leading to higher crop yields, improved food security, and increased farmer income.

The P resources are finite, and the increasing global demand for food has pressured this vital nutrient's availability [104]. PSMs are group of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes, that solubilize insoluble phosphate compounds [6]. PSMs as biofertilizers have been found to improve crop yields and P use-efficiency [32]. In addition, incorporating organic materials, such as compost and manure, can enhance soil P availability by increasing microbial activity and soil organic matter content [105]. Organic amendments can also help buffer soil pH, increasing P-availability [106]. Also, breeding plants with improved P-uptake and -utilization capabilities can produce more efficient P-use and higher yields [107]. This approach requires genetic resources and a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying plant P-uptake and -utilization [108]. Nevertheless, through precision agriculture and soil testing, farmers can better understand the P-status of their soil and tailor fertilizer applications accordingly [109]. Precision agriculture technologies, such as variable-rate fertilizer applicators, can help ensure P is applied efficiently and effectively.

Improving P-availability in soil has significant implications for sustainable agriculture and crop production. Enhanced P-availability can increase crop yields and reduce dependence on synthetic fertilizers, which can have negative environmental impacts [110]. Additionally, by optimizing P-use, the agricultural sector can better manage the depletion of finite P resources [104].

*Regulation of Plant-Microbe Interactions in the Rhizosphere for Plant Growth and Metabolism… DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.112572*
