The use of phosphate rock and plant growth promoting microorganisms for the management of (Stapf.) R.D. Webster in acidic soils.

Background: Forage production in tropical soils is primarily limited by nutrient deficiencies, especially nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). The use of phosphate rock by plants is limited by its low and slow P availability and microbial phosphate solubilization is the main mechanism for P bioavailability in the soil-root system. The objectives of this study were (i) select a nitrogen-fixing bacteria which could be used as a co-inoculant with the IR94MF1 phosphate-solubilizing fungus and (ii) evaluate under field conditions the effect of inoculation combined with phosphate rock (PR) application on yield and nutrient absorption of a pasture which was previously established in a low-fertility, acidic soil.