Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science
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Pertanika · Universiti Putra Malaysia Press

Pertanika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science

Official journal of Universiti Putra Malaysia for peer-reviewed research across tropical agriculture and allied agricultural sciences.

e-ISSN 2231-8542 ISSN 1511-3701
Research article

Phosphate Solubilizing Bacteria (PSB) and Commercial Rock Phosphate: An Effective Combination for Oil Palm Nursery

Ding Haoran, Tan Geok Hun and Susilawati Kasim

https://doi.org/10.47836/pjtas.48.5.07
KeywordsBacillus aryabahattai, Bacillus marisflavi, commercial rock phosphate, oil palm, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB)
Article content

Abstract

The growth of oil palm trees depends on phosphate availability. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) enhance the availability of phosphorus from phosphate rock by its phosphorus solubilizing ability. Phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) can improve the available phosphorus content provided by phosphate rock through its phosphorus solubilization ability. In the management of palm tree nurseries, it is vital to carefully choose the appropriate type and application rate of phosphate fertilizers based on the growth requirements and soil characteristics of palm saplings to achieve optimal growth outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine how well oil palm nursery could benefit from the use of commercial rock phosphate in conjunction with phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB). Bacillus marisflavi and Bacillus aryabahattai populations in 1 g of compost were found to be 2 × 109 and 1 × 108, respectively, using the plate count method. As seen by leaf count, oil palm size, and frond height, the development rate and quality of oil palm seedlings are greatly enhanced by the combination of Morocco rock phosphate (MRP) and PSB. This study demonstrated that a combination of PSB and commercial phosphate rock is beneficial to oil palm seedlings and sought to determine its efficacy in oil palm nurseries.