The Mechanisms, Applications, and Future Perspectives of the Synergistic Potential of Phosphate‐Solubilizing Bacteria

Phosphorus is an essential macronutrient for plant development, yet its low bioavailability in most soils severely limits agricultural productivity. Conventional phosphate fertilizers exhibit poor utilization efficiency often below 25% and contribute to nutrient losses and environmental degradation. Phosphate‐solubilizing bacteria (PSB) offer a sustainable alternative by converting insoluble phosphates into bioavailable forms, though their field efficacy can fluctuate under diverse soil conditions. This review examines the synergistic integration of PSB with engineered nanoparticles (NPs) such as ZnO, SiO 2 , nano‐hydroxyapatite (nHAp), and iron‐based nanomaterials to enhance nutrient bioavailability, soil fertility, and plant resilience. The PSB–NP combination improves phosphorus solubilization, root architecture, chlorophyll synthesis, and antioxidant defense while mitigating drought, salinity, and heavy‐metal stress. Reported studies reveal that PSB–nHAp systems increased phosphorus solubilization by up to 40% and maize biomass by 29%, while PSB–ZnO nanocomposites enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus uptake by 33%–42% and boosted antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, CAT) by 46%. Likewise, PSB–SiO 2 formulations improved photosynthetic efficiency and chlorophyll content by over 30% under abiotic stress. Mechanistically, NPs function as catalytic carriers and microhabitat stabilizers that reinforce PSB‐mediated nutrient cycling through organic acid secretion and controlled ion release, forming a sustained nutrient delivery network. Despite these advances, key challenges remain regarding NP toxicity, formulation stability, field‐scale validation, and regulatory clarity. Future progress in biodegradable nanomaterials, smart nano‐biofertilizers, and precision delivery systems could enable safe and scalable applications. Overall, PSB–NP synergy represents a transformative frontier for eco‐efficient nutrient management and long‐term soil health restoration in sustainable agriculture.