The Potential of Using Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria as a Controlled-Release Biofertilizer Under Salt Stress Conditions.

Phosphorus deficiency in saline soils, despite high total phosphorus content, limits crop productivity due to low bioavailability. This study aimed to evaluate the phosphate-solubilizing potential and salt stress responses of Priestia megaterium PN18, a bacterium isolated from saline-affected soil, and to assess its suitability as a biofertilizer through cell encapsulation. PN18 was examined for biofilm formation, exopolysaccharide (EPS) production, and sodium uptake under NaCl concentrations ranging from 0.