Utilization of bacillus Sp. GGTD67 for phosphate enrichment in vermicompost

Bacillus sp. is well known for their ability to mobilize phosphate from inorganic sources. The present study aimed at utilizing the Bacillus sp. GGTD67 to enrich the total phosphate content in vermicompost. Phosphate solubilizing Bacillus sp. GGTD67 was isolated from the rhizosphere of leguminous plants. Molecular characterization of the isolate was done through 16S rRNA gene amplification, BLAST search and multiple sequence alignment analysis. The culture was grown in mass and the cell count was done periodically. Preprepared vermicompost was mixed with suspension of Bacillus sp. at 1 x 10⁸ cells/g. Treated vermicompost was mixed with soil, for pot culture studies. The composition of phosphate solubilizing bacteria with vermicompost showed higher productivity of the test plant Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. (cowpea).