Original Research Article DOI: 10.18231/2394-5478 .2016.

0029

Isolation and purification of potassium solubilizing bacteria from different regions

of India and its effect on crop’s yield
Anukriti Verma1,*, Yamini Patidar2, Aditi Vaishampayan3
1Senior Scientist, 2PG Student, 3Assistant Microbiologist, Indore Biotech Inputs & Research Private Limited, Madhya Pradesh

*Corresponding Author:
Email: [email protected]

Abstract
Potassium is one of the important component of plant nutrients to meet the requirement of plant’s growth, crop yield and
quality of product. Isolates of KSB was carried out using mica (insoluble potassium) from the soil sample of different regions of
India basically U.P and M.P on Aleksandrow’s agar media. Out off 14 isolated bacterial isolates 7 bacterial isolates MPS1C2,
MPS2C5, MPS2C4, MPS5C1, UPS1C1, UPS2C1, UPS3C1 showed highest D/d ratio 3.13, 3.50, 2.0, 3.22, 5.00, 4.13, 3.75.
Optimum pH and temperature was pH-7 and 28±2°C. Maximum K solubilization was achieved in KCl and K2SO4. The isolated
bacterial strain was identified as Micrococcus varians and Corynebacterium kutscheri. KSB treated Groundnut plant showed
maximum pods of 16 and seeds 72 per plant as compared to control having pods 7 and seeds 21.

Keywords: Potassium solubilizing bacteria (KSB), modified Aleksandrov media, dilution plating, trial plots, germination rate,
Khandeparkar’s selection ratio.

Introduction Some bacteria like Bacillus, Thiobacillus,

Potassium (K) is one the important component for Pseudomonas, Acidothiobacillus, has been found to
the plant growth, metabolism and development of crop. simplify and secret potassium from potassium-bearing
Lack of potassium in the soil leads to poor development complex minerals in soils [Sheng, 2005, Liu, 2012].
of roots, shoots, less branches, slow growth, produce Potassium is present in soil either in the complexed or
smaller seed size with lower yield. Feldspar and mica chelated insoluble mineral form in mica or illite, this is
are the common potassium supplement for soil. dissolved by Potassium Solubilizing Bacteria by
(McAfee, 2008). With emerge of hybrid seeds and releasing organic acid to convert complex form into
GMO plants and continues use of soil for agriculture, simple form and make K available to plant
there is depletion of K in soils. Moreover, due to (Aleksandrov, 1967, Bennett, 1998). With the
intense application of chemical fertilizer, there is lack application of biofertilizer containing KSB, it not only
of complete utilization of minerals by plants and excess improves fertility of soil but also increases yield of
of minerals are wasted away through rain water or crops, protects from harmfull diseases and reduce
excessive irrigation, this leads into shortage of application of other chemical fertilizers (Sheng et al.,
potassium availability to plants in agricultural crop 2003, Sindhu et al., 2010). Sheng and Huang (2002),
production. In order to resolve these problems an reported that it is pH, oxygen and bacterial strain that
alternate method of potassium availability to plants and helps to release potassium from minerals.
maintain K level in soil has to be followed in order to The potassium solubilization efficiency depends
achieve higher yield without disturbing soil texture upon the nature of bacteria and condition of the mineral
(Han, 2006). where it is serviving. Therefore, the yield of the crops
In recent report soil microbes have played an can be increased by applying biofertilizer possessing
important role in maintaining Potassium balance in soil. Potassium containing minerals along with K-
Potassium Solubilizing Microorganisms present in the solubilizing bacteria. Thus, it is important to identify
soil helps to convert complex potassium present in soil microbial strains which proves to be beneficial over
into simple form and make them available to plants damaged soil and repair its texture along with good
(Groudev, 1987, Rogers et al 1998]. Soil fertility of soil lessen the environmental pollution
microorganisms helps to break down complex minerals caused by heavy application of chemical fertilizers.
present in soil either by secreting acid or base and Biofertilizer containing KSB has shown good results on
convert it into simple form which helps to maintain the crops like cotton and rape (Sheng 2005), pepper and
soil fertility and Iron cycle in soil (Bin Lianet al., cucumber (Han 2006), sorghum (Badr 2006), wheat
2010). Alexander (1985), found that certain Silicate (Sheng et al., 2006), Sudan grass [Basak 2008, 2010),
bacteria are able to break down Potassium, Silicon and maize and wheat plants (Singh 2010). Xie (1998),
Aluminum from complex insoluble minerals into reported that KSB has been used in Korea and China as
simple form. Biswas and Basak (2009) also reported biofertilizer in the area where K is deficient.
that some bacteria are able to decompose In this study efforts are made to isolate and identify
Aluminosilicate and release potassium out of it. wild strain of potassium solubilizing bacteria which can

Indian J Microbiol Res 2016;3(4):483-488 483

Anukriti Verma et al. Isolation and purification of potassium solubilizing bacteria….

withstand different temperature and pH without loosing temperature ranging from 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50 degree
its prime character. Different field trial will be done to Celsius. A loopful of previously activated bacterial
find out maximum yield in crop and maintain soil culture was inoculated in 10ml of Aleksandrov broth
texture. and incubated for 24 hrs. The growth was checked
through serial dilution.
Materials and Methods Study of different Substrates on the growth of KSB:
Sample collection: Soil samples were collected from Bacteria shows different behavior on different substrate
different rhizospheric region of different zones of India to understand this phenomena, Aleksandrov’s broth was
such as “Adalpura, Mirzapur (U.P.), Sarnathchirgoan prepared using different types of minerals as substitute
block Varansi (U.P.) and Namipura (M.P), Rangwasa of potassium i.e., KCl, K2SO4 and AlK(SO4)2.12H2O,
(M.P), Rau (M.P). The sample were collected in aseptic 3.0 g each. Out of 14 isolates 6 bacterial isolates were
bags and transported to lab for further process. selected and incubated at 28±2℃ for 10 days. After 10
Adaptation and Enrichment: Soil samples collected days of incubation, released K was determined by
from different regions of India were mixed with Mica measuring zone of solubilization in plate.
and kept at room temperature for one week. Withdraw Study of Mica on Growth of KSB: The study of Mica
1gm of soil sample and inoculate in 90 ml liquid media on the growth and K solubilization was done by using
containing 0.95% glucose, 0.045% yeast extract and Aleksandrov medium with different Mica concentration
0.45% Mica make final volume to 100ml and incubated (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13) in gram. Media was inoculated
at room temperature at 120 rpm for 7 days. with 1 loopful of previously activated bacterial culture
Purification and Isolation of Potassium Solubilizing and incubated at 28±2°C for 72 hours. The growth was
Bacteria: The enriched soil samples were serial diluted checked using dilution plating.
up to 10-12 and inoculated on modified Aleksandrov Identification of isolated bacteria: The identification
agar medium which constitute 0.5% glucose, 0.05% of purified KSB bacteria was done on the basis of its
MgSo4.7H2O, 0.0006% FeCl3, 0.06% CaCO3, 0.2% Biochemical study and Bergeys Manual of Systematic
CaPO4, 0.3% Mica, 3% agar pH 6.5 and phenol red dye Bacteriology.
as indicator, plates were incubated at 27±20 C for 7 Field trial: The efficacy test of identified KSB bacteria
days. Potassium solubilizing colonies were selected was done on field trial basis. There is an increasing
from 10-8, 10-9 and 10-10 dilution containing plates. evidence to show that microbial inoculation of seeds
Isolation of colonies was done on the basis of zone may benefit plant growth through a number of
formed around the colonies only those isolates were mechanisms. Basically farmers apply bacterial products
selected whose diameter showed more D/d ratio in three forms, Soil, Root and Seed treatment.
according to Khandeparkar’s selection ratio. Beneficial bacteria are mixed with some suitable carrier
Ratio = D/d = Diameter of zone of clearance/ Diameter which helps them to survive for more then 6-8 months.
of growth These carriers have neutral pH and non-hazardous to
Study of Cultural, Morphological and Biochemical humans. In this experiment we have used talc as carrier
nature of KSB: In order to study the cultural material.
morphology and biochemical characteristic of isolates Groundnut seeds were pre coated with sticky
modified Aleksandrove’s agar media was used to grow material and then mixed with talc based KSB culture.
isolates. Colony characteristics such as size, shape, These KSB treated seeds were allowed to dry for 20-30
texture, colour, opacity and consistency were examined. min. in shade before sowing. Seeds were sown in trial
Gram staining, endospore sand capsule staining was plots along with control and allowed to germinate.
carried out for the purified isolates. Indole test, Methyl Germination rate, growth rate, number of pods in each
red test, Starch hydrolysis test, Simmons Citrate test, plant, number of grains per plant was noted.
Triple Sugar Iron test, Vogesproskauer test, Casein
hydrolysis test, H2S production were determined. Results
Study of impact of pH on the growth of KSB: The Isolation and Screening of Potassium Solubilizing
purified isolates were studied for their effect on Microbes: The purified bacteria grown on both
different pH and their ability to solubilize K. This study modified Alkendrove media containing phenol red dye
was done using different pH rang (5, 6, 7, 8, 9). pH and without dye showed clear zone around colonies
was adjusted using 0.1 M HCl and 1N NaOH. 10 ml of were selected, only those colonies were selected which
Aleksandrove broth adjusted with different pH was showed distinct morphology. Out of so many colonies
inoculated with 1 loopful of previously activated only 14 bacterial isolates which showed clear zone
bacterial culture and incubated at 28±2°C for 24, 48 and around colonies were selected. (Table 1 and 2). From
72 hours. The growth was checked through dilution the 14 bacterial isolates only seven bacterial isolates,
plating. MPS1C2, MPS2C5, MPS2C4, MPS5C1, UPS1C1,
Study impact of Temperatures on the growth of UPS2C1, UP53C1 exhibited higher zone of
KSB: The effect of temperature on the growth of solubilization. The ratio of solubilization zone was
bacteria and its K solubilization was studied at different
Indian J Microbiol Res 2016;3(4):483-488 484
Anukriti Verma et al. Isolation and purification of potassium solubilizing bacteria….

measured according to Khandeparkar’s selection ratio

as listed in Table 1 and 2. Table 2: Potassium solubilization values of bacterial
isolates (Alkendrove media without dye) by
Table 1: Value of Potassium solubilization zone of Khandeparkar’s selection ratio
bacterial isolates (modified Alkendrove media Isolates Diameter of Diameter D/d (ratio)
containing phenol red dye) by Khandeparkar’s zone of of growth
selection ratio clearance (d) mm
Bacterial Clear zone Growth D/d (D) mm
isolates diameter diameter(d) (ratio) MPSIC2 18 8 3.13
(D) mm mm MPS2C5 14 4 3.50
MPSIC2 29 8 3.63 MPS2C4 6 3 2.00
MPS2C5 18 4 4.50 MPS4C1 10 7 1.43
MPS2C4 09 3 3.00 MPS4C2 15 8 1.88
MPS4C1 11 7 1.57 MPS4C3 13 9 1.44
MPS4C2 18 8 2.25 MPS4C4 14 9 1.56
MPS4C3 15 9 1.67 MPS5C3 12 13 0.92
MPS4C4 2.5 9 2.78 MPS5C4 15 8 1.88
MPS5C3 35 13 2.69 MPS5C2 11 6 1.83
MPS5C4 15 8 1.88 MPS5C1 29 9 3.22
MPS5C2 14 6 2.33 UPS1C1 30 6 5.00
MPS5C1 34 9 3.78 UPS2C1 33 8 4.13
UPS1C1 32 6 5.30 UPS3C1 30 8 3.75
UPS2C1 38 8 4.70
UPS3C1 37 8 4.60 Cultural, Microscopical and Biochemical
Characteristics
Modified Alekandrove media was used to
study cultural behavior of purified bacterial isolates.
From the 14 isolates only seven bacterial isolates were
picked to identify and study their microscopical and
biochemical characteristic which is reported in Table 3
and 4.

Table 3: Colonical and Morphological characteristic of KSB

Colony characters Morphological characters
Isolates Appearance Gram reaction Spore Capsule Motility
& cell shape Formation Formation
MPSIC2 Medium, opaque, +ve cocci Non-sporulating Capsulated Motile
elevated, smooth, round
MPS2C5 Medium, opaque, +ve small rods Non-sporulating Non capsulated Motile
elevated, smooth, round
MPS2C4 small, opaque, slightly +ve small rods Non-sporulating Non capsulated Motile
raised, smooth, round
MPS5C1 small, opaque, slightly +ve small rods Non-sporulating Non capsulated Motile
raised, smooth, round
UPS1C1 small, transparent, +ve small rods Non-sporulating Capsulated Non motile
slightly elevated,
smooth, round
UPS2C1 small, translucent, +ve small rods Non-sporulating Capsulated Non motile
slightly elevated,
smooth, round
UPS3C1 small, translucent, +ve small rods Non-sporulating Capsulated Non motile
slightly elevated,
smooth, round

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Anukriti Verma et al. Isolation and purification of potassium solubilizing bacteria….

Table 4: Biochemical characteristics of KSB

Test /soil sample MPS1C2 MPS2C5 MPS2C4 MPS5C1 UPS1C1 UPS2C1 UPS3C1
Indole test Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative
Starch hydrolysis test Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive
Methyl red test Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative
Simmon’s citrate test Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive
Triple sugar iron’s test Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive
Casein hydrolysis test Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative
Vogesproskauer Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative
Catalase test Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive Positive
H2S test Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative
Gas production Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative Negative

Optimum Conditions for Efficient growth and K in the temperature range of 25℃ to 35℃. K
Solubilization of bacteria solubilization decreased at higher temperature of
Seven bacterial strains i.e., MPS1C2, MPS2C5, incubation i.e., 45℃ with all the bacterial strains. (Fig.
MPS2C4, MPS5C1, UPS1C1, UPS2C1 and UP53C1 2)
were selected on the basis of their zone size, to check
their efficiency of potassium solubilization under
optimum conditions of pH, temperature and potassium
sources used.
In order to determine the effect of different pH on
the growth of isolated bacteria and zone of potassium
solubilization the isolates were grown at pH range from
5, 6, 7, 8, 9. It was found that maximum growth and
potassium solubilization was achieved at pH 7.0 with
sharp decline in growth and potassium solubilization
from pH 8 onwards.(Fig. 1). Maximum K solubilization
was observed with bacterial strain UPS1C1 at pH 7.0
followed by strain UPS2C1.

Fig. 2: Effect of different temperature on Potassium

Solubilizing Bacteria

In order to show the effect of different forms of

potassium on the growth and solubilization zone
modified Alekandrove’s agar media was supplemented
with KCl, K2SO4 and AlK(SO4)2. 12H2O along with
mica, it was found that K was solubilized maximum by
all the bacterial strains in KCl and K2SO4 supplemented
media than AlK(SO4)2. 12H2O and mica powder
containing samples (Fig. 3).

Fig. 1: Effect of different pH on Potassium

Solubilizing Bacteria

In order to study the optimum temperature for the

growth of bacteria and its ability to solubilize potassium
the isolated bacteria were grown on modified
Alekendrove broth at different temperature ranging
from 25.30.35.40.45.50°C. It was found that bacterial
strain UPS1C1 showed maximum solubilization
(5.0cm) at 25℃ and decreased with increase in
temperature. Bacterial strain UPS2C1 showed
maximum solubilization (4.13cm) at 28±2°C, whereas Fig. 3: Maximum zone of potassium solubilization
other bacterial strains showed significant solubilization was achieved in KCl and K2SO4

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Anukriti Verma et al. Isolation and purification of potassium solubilizing bacteria….

Identification of isolated bacteria: On the basis of The study of Optimum conditions for efficient
different biochemical analysis performed (Catalase test, solubilization of potassium by seven bacterial isolates
starch hydrolysis test, Gram staining, endospore and shows that MPS1C2, MPS2C5, MPS2C4, MPS5C1,
capsule staining and using Bergey’s manule of UPS1C1, UPS2C1, UPS3C1 showed highest D/d ratio
determinative Bacteriology isolated bacterial strain are 3.13, 3.50, 2.0, 3.22, 5.00, 4.13, 3.75. Zone of
Micrococcus varians and Corynebacterium kutscheri potassium solubilization was comparatively less on
mica plate media with all the seven bacterial strains.
Effect of KSB on groundnut crop: Total 14 isolates Bacterial strain UPS1C1 caused maximum zone of
were isolated from media. Seven isolates were selected potassium solubilization at 25°C to 28°C, whereas
according to their greatest K solubilization. They were strain MPS2C5 caused maximum zone of potassium
numbered as MPS1C2, MPS2C5, MPS2C4, MPS5C1, solubilization at 30°C. Zone of potassium solubilization
UPS1C1, UPS2C1, UPS3C1. These isolates were tested decreased at 45°C with all the bacterial strains. The
for their solubilization capacity from alkaline leached zone of potassium solubilization was found to be
soil. The maximum potassium solubilization potential maximum when bacteria were grown in a media having
was in UPS1C1. By incubating these bacteria with optimum pH 7.0. With the increase in pH of the
Groundnut the number of un-germinated seeds medium, growth of bacteria and zone of potassium
significantly decreased in the inoculated treatment solubilization decreased considerably.
(Table 5) Other workers also reported similar difference in
potassium solubilization. Sheng and Huang (2002),
Table 5: Effect of KSB isolates on groundnut reported that its pH and dissolve oxygen which releases
germination and growth potassium from minerals. When treated with KSB it
Control Treated with was found that potassium increased by 84.8 to 127.9
KSB isolates per cent when compared with the control. Potassium
Total ungerminated 30% 3% solubilizing bacterial strains resulted in release of 35.2
seeds(%) mg L-1 potassium in 7 days at 28°Cat pH range from
Average root length (cm) 12.5 25 6.5-8.0. Badr (2006) reported that there is release of
Average shoot length (cm) 20 45 35.2mg/L of potassium and 490mg to 758mg/l in seven
Average root mass (g) 2 8 days by phosphorus silicate solubilizing bacteria at pH
Average shoot mass(g) 10 30 6.5 to 8.0.
Total no. of branches 6 18 When mica was replaced with KCl and K2SO4 it
Total no. of pods per plant 7 16 was found that maximum K solubilization was obtained
Total no. of seeds per plant 21 72 with KCl as compared to mica which in term, is another
field of study to understand the behavior of bacteria
with different substrate.(Liu, 2006). The above result
The average root and shoot length and mass is
implies that more efforts has to be made towards the
considerably higher in trial field treated with KSB and
behavior of bacteria in soil and its beneficial effect on
comparatively lower in control trial field. The study
showed that there is 3.43 times more production in KSB plant growth. It is important to select those efficient
treated field as compared to control one. bacterial strains from rhizospheric region which could
adopt to the particular conditions of the soil. Thus,
potassium solubilizing bacteria isolated and studied in
Discussions
this experiment will be further used in field trial for
For plant’s better growth and development and to
better adaptation and screening of more efficient
enhance crop’s yields potassium is the major nutrient.
bacteria. This may lead to improve the soil condition
Due to excess application of Urea and phosphatic
which is deficient of K nutrition.
fertilizers agricultural land is becoming eroded.
Therefore we have made efforts to understand the
beneficial effect of combination of both bacteria and Reference
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