Role of Aspergillus niger in Solubilizing P in Togo Rock Phosphate during Composting with Different Organic Wastes

The immobilization and mineralization processes carried out by soil microorganisms have a significant role in controlling the availability of phosphorus in soil. A class of helpful microorganisms known as phosphate solubilizing microbes are able to hydrolyze insoluble organic and insoluble inorganic phosphorus compounds into soluble P (phosphorus) form that is readily taken by plants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of different organic waste and Aspergillus niger in solubilizing P in Togo rock phosphate during composting. Composts were prepared using rice straw and citrus waste that had been inoculated with Aspergillus niger and supplemented with rock phosphate. The results showed that co-inoculation system with PSF (i.e. Aspergillus niger) provided optimum condition for P solubilization.