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Phosphorus (P) is one of the major essential macronutrients for plants, applied to soil in the form of phosphatic fertilizers and organic manures. The application of PSB to soils can replace or partially reduce use of inorganic P fertilizers and could be one of the cost effective, highly efficient, and sustainable approaches to conserve P resources. The aim of the study was to evaluate the role of PSB in phosphorus (P) availability from organic, mineral and natural sources. For this purpose, a laboratory incubation experiment was conducted at the University of Agriculture Peshawar. The experiment was consisting of four sources of P [poultry manure (PM), farm yard manure (FYM), rock phosphate (RP) and single supper phosphate (SSP)] for obtaining 45 mg P2O5 kg-1 and two types of inoculation (control and PSB) arranged in two factorial complete randomized design with three replications. Resultantly, PSB inoculation significantly improved. P availability at all incubation interval except day zero. A 3.4%, 5.4%, 12% and 16 % increased were observed in P as compared to control, at day 7, 14, 28 and 56 respectively. Similarly, significant differences were observed in P release for P sources at all incubation intervals. Initially higher P release was observed for SSP but at day 14 onward PM and FYM proved to be the best P releasable sources as compared to mineral P sources. RP released the lowest P at all incubation intervals however it performed statistically at par to SSP at 56 days. The significant interactive effect of P sources and PSB at day 28 and 56 demonstrated that soil receiving P from organic sources inoculated with PSB released higher P than other treatments combination. Thus, it is suggested that P must be applied from organic P sources (PM and FYM) along with PSB inoculation for better P nutrition and crop yield.

This study had been conducted in north eastern area of Pakistan, Baltistan region constituting the larger portion of Kashmir region. Which is one of the moist zone of the western Himalayas. While growing fruit point of view the land is suitable for fruit like apples, plum, cherry and apricot production. Climatically Baltistan region soils have recognized as best for quality cherry production. However, limited information is available about the existing soil fertility status and fruit quality of cherry orchards. Soil fertility evaluation is a key factor towards sustainable fruit production of cherry orchard soils. Improvement of soil productivity and fruit quality depends on the knowledge of the soil fertility. Therefore, study was designed to investigate the soil fertility status of cherry orchards of District Skardu, Kharmang, Shigar, and Ganache. Soil samples were evaluated for pH, EC, Organic matter, Texture, N, P, K, and micronutrients. While leaf and fruits samples were analyzed for N, P, K and pH, TSS, TA, Ascorbic acid, and Sugar contents respectively. Results revealed that the soil samples were slightly alkaline and non-saline sandy loam and sandy clay loam texture with adequate organic matter ranging from 1.19-2.15%, Low to marginal (NO3-N), low extractable P, and marginal to adequate K with high micronutrients concentrations (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn). While leaf samples showed marginal to high N, low P, and K and sufficient to high micronutrients. The parameters of fruit samples were in the optimum range with a yield of 5-50 Kgplant-1.