Abstract

AimPotassium (K) is a key determinant for plant development and productivity. However, more than 90% of K in the soil exists in an insoluble form. K‐solubilizing microbes play an important role in the transformation of insoluble K. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate K‐dissolving ability of Aspergillus aculeatus (F) and growth‐promoting properties in perennial ryegrass.Methods and ResultsPerennial ryegrass inoculated with A. aculeatus exhibited enhanced soluble K accompanied with higher growth rate and turf quality, compared with the noninoculated regimen. In addition, A. aculeatus also played a primary role in increasing chlorophyll content and photosynthetic capacity of the plant exposed to LK+F (K‐feldspar plus A. aculeatus) treatment, compared with the CK (control, no K‐feldspar and A. aculeatus), F (only A. aculeatus) and LK (only K‐feldspar) groups. Furthermore, the antioxidase activities (CAT and POD) were significantly increased while the oxidative damage (EL and MDA) was dramatically decreased in the LK+F group compared to the LK (K‐feldspar) group. Finally, in perennial ryegrass leaves, the genes expression levels of HAK8, HAK12 and HKT18 were obviously elevated in the LK+F group, compared to the CK, F and LK groups.ConclusionWe concluded that A. aculeatus could solubilize K from bound form and be considered as K‐solubilizing biofertilizer through supplementing K in soil.Significance and Impact of the StudyAspergillusaculeatus has the potential to be used as a biofertilizer in sustainable agriculture.