Temporal Dynamics of Potassium Release from Waste Mica as Influenced by Potassium Mobilizing Bacteria

Potassium mobilizing bacteria (KMB) strains have been isolated from waste mica mines in the Giridih district of Jharkhand, India, using Alexandrov media. These isolates were evaluated for their potential to dissolve water soluble-K (muscovite and biotite). Identity was confirmed based on sequencing 16S rDNA region those showing promising dissolving capacity. Strains found be different Bacillus cereus, two unconfirmed species (strain- 6SB1 GG6), one each B. velezensis Paraburkholderia kururiensis. Finally, four most efficient KMB selected K-mobilizing capability. The K5B (B. cereus) isolate showed highest K-solubilising capacity both muscovite biotite enriched medium. Soil incubation study conducted soils (Alfisol) with three gradient concentrations tailings strain- K5B, K6, K15; sp. GG6- K12) measured at 4, 7, 14 21 days intervals. K release dynamics incubated indicated that potassium released types micas significantly higher water-soluble (WS-K) exchangeable (Ex-K) pools due inoculation isolates. Apart solubilization, cereus strain GG6 capabilities produce indole acetic acid (IAA) gibberellic (GA). results suggested a combination powdered could suitable alternative commercial chemical fertilizers maintain soil nutrient status plant uptake.