The role of plant growth-promoting microbes (PGPMs) in the solubilization of Zinc

The rising population of the world needs more food which is dependent on agricultural production. Farmers saturate fields with a variety of agrochemicals in indiscriminate amounts to enhance productivity per unit of time per unit area to meet this demand. Generally, most of the nutrients are supplied to plants using fertilizers. However, micronutrients are ignored and zinc (Zn) is one of those that aren't primarily responsible for increasing yield. Zn is an essential micronutrient necessary for the growth of all living organisms, including humans, plants, and microbes. Humans and other living organisms need trace amounts of Zn in their bodies for normal physiological functioning. Most of the agricultural soil are either Zn deficient or have Zn in a fixed form that is unavailable to plants, indicating a Zn deficit in both soils and plants. Therefore, to address the issue mentioned above, alternative, and environmentally friendly technologies are needed, such as the application of plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs) which increase Zn solubilization and plant availability. PGPMs are important for the survival of plants because these microorganisms provide essential nutrients to plants from the soil.