Effect of phytase from Aspergillus niger on plant growth and mineral assimilation in wheat (Triticum aestivum Linn.) and its potential for use as a soil amendment.

Background: Extensive use of non-replenishable phosphate reserves as phosphate supplements in agriculture and animal feed poses a threat for environmental pollution and necessitated a search for alternative phosphate sources. Unlocking the phytate phosphorus using microbial phytase can provide an ecofriendly solution in agriculture. The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of phytase from Aspergillus niger NCIM 563 in degradation of phytate phosphorus to benefit plant nutrition and soil amendment in comparison with chemical fertilizers.