Soil Microbes' 'pH Plasticity' May Sustain Organic Phosphorus Mineralization Across Diverse Soils

New research suggests that soil microbes play a crucial role in sustaining organic phosphorus (P) mineralization, even in acidic soils. A study by the Chinese Academy of Sciences and collaborators highlights the potential of the PhoD gene and its encoded enzyme, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), in maintaining phosphorus availability under non-optimal conditions.