Bacillus Megaterium Manufacturer & Exporter | Phosphorous Solubilizing Bacteria | Microbial Species

Bacillus megaterium

Bacillus megaterium is a Gram-positive, endospore-forming rhizobacterium recognized for its high-efficiency solubilization of inorganic phosphate compounds. By producing organic acids and phosphatases, it enhances phosphorus bioavailability, promoting early crop establishment, accelerated phenological development, and improved root system architecture. In addition to nutrient mobilization, B. megaterium contributes to soil health by enhancing microbial diversity, facilitating organic matter decomposition, and improving soil structure. It also exhibits antagonistic activity against phytopathogens, supporting natural pest suppression and reducing reliance on chemical pesticides. Compatible with biofertilizers and biopesticides, B. megaterium integrates seamlessly into organic and integrated farming systems, contributing to increased nutrient-use efficiency, enhanced crop resilience, and sustainable yield improvement while enriching soil microbiome.

Strength

1 x 10⁸ CFU per gram / 1 x 10⁹ CFU per gram / 1 x 10¹⁰ CFU per gram

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Benefits

Accelerates Plant Growth

Enhances the growth rate of plants, leading to earlier maturity and increased yield.

Improves Soil Quality

Enhances soil fertility and structure, promoting healthier root growth and nutrient uptake.

Protects Against Pests and Diseases

Helps in preventing various pests and diseases that can affect plant health.

Environmentally Friendly

Supports sustainable agriculture practices by reducing reliance on chemical inputs and improving overall soil health.

Scientific References

Note: The currently accepted taxonomic name is Priestia megaterium; however, Bacillus megaterium is retained below because it is the name used in the original publications and remains widely recognized. LPSN taxonomy record

Effect of Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum and L-α-Proline on Iron Content in Soil and Wheat PlantsPłaza, A., Rzążewska, E., & Gąsiorowska, B. (2021). Agronomy, 11(3), 511.A three-year field study found that treatments containing B. megaterium var. phosphaticum increased iron concentrations in soil and spring-wheat grain and straw. The response was influenced by L-α-proline and the nitrogen-fertilization regime.https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030511
Using Bacillus megaterium as a Biofertilizer Alleviates Salt Stress, Improves Phosphorus Nutrition, and Increases Cauliflower YieldShalaby, O. A. (2024). Journal of Plant Nutrition, 47(6), 926–939.This study evaluated B. megaterium inoculation with different phosphorus-fertilizer rates under saline soil and irrigation conditions. Inoculation improved phosphorus nutrition, plant growth, physiological performance, and cauliflower yield, particularly when combined with adequate phosphorus fertilization.https://doi.org/10.1080/01904167.2023.2291022
Development of a Biologically Based Fertilizer Incorporating Bacillus megaterium A6 for Improved Phosphorus Nutrition of Oilseed RapeHu, X., Roberts, D. P., Xie, L., Maul, J. E., Yu, C., Li, Y., Zhang, S., & Liao, X. (2013). Canadian Journal of Microbiology, 59(4), 231–236.In greenhouse pot experiments, a formulation containing strain A6 increased soil-available phosphorus, plant phosphorus content, and oilseed-rape seed yield. The greatest response occurred when the biological formulation was combined with a reduced-phosphorus synthetic fertilizer.https://doi.org/10.1139/cjm-2012-0579
The Application of Bacillus megaterium Alters Soil Microbial Community Composition, Phosphorus and Potassium Availability, and Cucumber GrowthZhao, Y., Mao, X., Zhang, M., Yang, W., Di, H. J., Ma, L., Liu, W., & Li, B. (2021). Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment, 307, 107236.Field research in a long-term cucumber plastic-shed system found that B. megaterium application increased cucumber yield and soil-available phosphorus and potassium while altering the structure of the soil microbial community.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agee.2020.107236
Isolation, Biochemical Characterization and Production of Biofertilizer from Bacillus megateriumPatel, G., Singh, S., Saxena, S. K., & Kaur, K. J. (2016). International Journal of Life-Sciences Scientific Research, 2(6), 749–752.The study isolated and characterized a phosphate-solubilizing B. megaterium strain and assessed its survival in a formulated inoculant over 180 days. It supports phosphate-solubilization capability and formulation viability but does not provide crop-performance evidence.https://doi.org/10.21276/ijlssr.2016.2.6.16
Sugar Beet and Barley Yields in Relation to Bacillus polymyxa and Bacillus megaterium var. phosphaticum InoculationÇakmakçı, R., Kantar, F., & Algur, Ö. F. (1999). Journal of Plant Nutrition and Soil Science, 162(4), 437–442.Greenhouse and two-site field trials showed that seed inoculation with B. megaterium var. phosphaticum increased sugar-beet root yield and barley grain yield relative to the untreated control. Responses varied with soil and moisture conditions and were generally lower than or comparable with mineral fertilization.https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1522-2624(199908)162:4%3C437::AID-JPLN437%3E3.0.CO;2-W

These studies provide species- and strain-level research evidence. Their results should not be interpreted as guaranteed performance for every B. megaterium strain or commercial formulation.

Mode of Action

Bacillus megaterium, currently classified as Priestia megaterium, is studied primarily as a phosphate-solubilizing and plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterium. Its agricultural activity depends on the strain, crop, formulation, soil conditions, and fertilizer program.

1. Phosphorus Solubilization and Mineralization

Selected strains can convert sparingly soluble mineral and organic phosphorus into more available forms. Reported mechanisms include the production of organic acids, phosphatases, and other phosphorus-mobilizing metabolites. These activities may increase available phosphorus in the rhizosphere and support plant phosphorus uptake.

In field and laboratory studies, strain CNPMS B119 demonstrated calcium- and iron-phosphate solubilization, phosphatase activity, and increased phosphorus acquisition by maize. Strain P68 increased soil-available phosphorus and phosphorus accumulation in potato plants.

Supported by: de Oliveira-Paiva et al., 2024 – Frontiers in Microbiology; Lin et al., 2023 – Frontiers in Microbiology

2. Root Development and Growth-Associated Metabolites

Some B. megaterium strains produce indole-3-acetic acid or IAA-like compounds, siderophores, exopolysaccharides and biofilms. These traits may support root development, rhizosphere colonization and nutrient acquisition.

In rice pot experiments, strains CACC109 and CACC119 promoted root growth under both well-watered and water-stressed conditions. The strains demonstrated IAA production, phosphate solubilization, siderophore production and ACC-deaminase activity under laboratory conditions.

Supported by: Lee et al., 2024 – Frontiers in Microbiology; de Oliveira-Paiva et al., 2024 – Frontiers in Microbiology

3. Rhizosphere Nutrient Dynamics

Inoculation can influence nutrient availability and microbial-community composition in the root zone. A greenhouse study using an inoculant containing B. megaterium and B. mucilaginosus increased available phosphorus and potassium, altered the soil bacterial community, and supported chili-pepper growth in calcareous soil.

Because this study used a microbial consortium, its results cannot be attributed exclusively to B. megaterium.

Supported by: Zhao et al., 2019 – Journal of Soils and Sediments; Thepbandit and Athinuwat, 2024 – Microorganisms

4. Nutrient Uptake and Crop Performance

Selected strains have produced positive crop responses in replicated pot and field studies. Strain P68 increased soil-available phosphorus, plant phosphorus accumulation and commercial potato-tuber yield in a field experiment. Strain CNPMS B119 improved maize yield across multiple Brazilian field seasons, although the magnitude of the response differed between locations and soil-fertility conditions.

A separate maize study found that combined inoculation with B. megaterium Ag87 and Lysinibacillus sp. Ag94 improved phosphorus-use efficiency and grain yield, providing additional evidence for the use of B. megaterium within compatible microbial consortia.

Supported by: Lin et al., 2023 – Frontiers in Microbiology; de Oliveira-Paiva et al., 2024 – Frontiers in Microbiology; Massucato et al., 2022 – Microorganisms

5. Support Under Abiotic Stress

Certain strains have been investigated for their ability to support plants under drought and other environmental stresses. In rice, strains CACC109 and CACC119 improved survival, chlorophyll content and water retention under controlled drought conditions while influencing antioxidant- and drought-responsive gene expression.

In greenhouse research, strain HGS7 promoted mulberry growth and was associated with increased proline accumulation and antioxidant-enzyme activity during drought stress. These findings indicate strain-specific potential but require additional field validation.

Supported by: Lee et al., 2024 – Frontiers in Microbiology; Ou et al., 2022 – Frontiers in Plant Science

6. Integration with Fertilizer Programs

By improving phosphorus solubilization and nutrient acquisition, selected B. megaterium strains may complement conventional phosphorus-fertilization programs. However, the evidence does not support a universal fertilizer-reduction percentage. Any reduction should be established through crop-, soil-, strain- and formulation-specific trials.

Supported by: de Oliveira-Paiva et al., 2024 – Frontiers in Microbiology; Massucato et al., 2022 – Microorganisms

These mechanisms and agricultural outcomes have been demonstrated for selected strains or microbial consortia. They should not be interpreted as evidence that every strain or commercial formulation of P. megaterium will produce the same response.

Additional Info

Compatibility and tank-mixing guidance

Bacillus megaterium can be integrated with mineral fertilizers and other microbial inoculants. Compatibility depends on the strain, formulation, water quality, input concentration and contact time.

Compatible or potentially compatible with:

Other bacterial biofertilizers: Selected strains have been successfully combined with Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Paenibacillus . These combinations can provide complementary functions such as nitrogen fixation and phosphorus or potassium mobilization.
Mycorrhizal fungi and other beneficial microorganisms: Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria may complement mycorrhizal nutrient acquisition. Confirm formulation-specific compatibility before combining.
Mineral fertilizers: B. megaterium may be used within nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer programs. Add the inoculant only after fertilizers have been fully diluted, and avoid prolonged contact with concentrated fertilizer stock solutions.
Organic amendments and biostimulants: Compatible composts, humic substances, seaweed extracts and amino-acid products may be used within the same program after physical and biological compatibility has been confirmed.

Use separately unless compatibility has been verified:

Bactericides, antibiotics and copper-based crop-protection products
Disinfectants and oxidizing agents, including chlorine, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid and ozone
Strongly acidic or alkaline solutions
Concentrated fertilizer stock solutions or mixtures with very high salinity
Unverified fungicides, insecticides, seed treatments and other pesticides

Practical Recommendations:

Use clean water and avoid excessive residual chlorine.
Maintain agitation during mixing and application.
Apply the prepared suspension on the same day.
Conduct a jar test to check physical compatibility; however, a clear mixture does not confirm microbial viability.
Where biological compatibility is unknown, apply the products separately according to their label directions.
Confirm compatibility before combining multiple microorganisms in the same tank, as beneficial effects are strain- and formulation-dependent.

Dosage & Application

Dosage and Application

The following recommendations apply to a water-dispersible Bacillus megaterium formulation containing 1 × 10⁹ CFU/g.

Application method	Recommended rate	Application guidance
Seed treatment	15–25 g/kg seed	Apply as a uniform slurry shortly before sowing.
In-furrow application	250 g/ha (100 g/acre)	Apply in sufficient water directly into the seed furrow at planting.
Root-zone application	250 g/ha (100 g/acre)	Apply as a directed drench at planting, transplanting or during early crop establishment.
Drip irrigation or fertigation	250 g/ha (100 g/acre)	Introduce through the irrigation system and distribute uniformly to the active root zone.
Orchards and vineyards	250 g/ha (100 g/acre)	Apply through drip irrigation or as a directed root-zone drench. Calculate the rate per plant according to planting density.
Greenhouse and hydroponic systems	250 g/ha of cultivated area	Premix in water and introduce through the irrigation or nutrient tank for uniform delivery to the root zone.

Seed Treatment

Mix 15–25 g of inoculant per kilogram of seed with the minimum volume of clean water required to produce a uniform coating. A compatible binder may be added when necessary.

Maintain continuous mixing for even coverage.
Avoid excessive wetting or seed clumping.
Allow treated seed to surface-dry in the shade.
Sow as soon as practical after treatment.
Confirm compatibility with other seed-treatment products before mixing.

Root-Zone, In-Furrow and Fertigation Application

Prepare a premix in a small volume of clean water. Add the premix to the application tank under agitation, add the remaining water and mix until uniformly dispersed.

Apply 250 g/ha (100 g/acre) through:

In-furrow application at sowing
Transplant-water application
Directed root-zone drenching
Drip irrigation or fertigation
Orchard and vineyard irrigation systems
Greenhouse or hydroponic nutrient-delivery systems

The water volume may be adjusted according to the crop, irrigation system and application equipment while maintaining the recommended product rate per treated area.

Orchard and Vineyard Calculation

Calculate the individual plant rate by dividing 250 g by the number of trees or vines per hectare.

Planting density	Approximate rate per plant
250 plants/ha	1 g
500 plants/ha	0.5 g
1,000 plants/ha	0.25 g
2,500 plants/ha	0.1 g

Application Best Practices

Apply to moist soil or irrigate shortly after application.
Use clean, non-chlorinated water whenever possible.
Maintain agitation throughout mixing and application.
Use the prepared suspension on the same day.
Avoid mixing with bactericides, disinfectants, oxidizing agents or incompatible crop-protection products.
Confirm compatibility before combining with fertilizers or other microbial inoculants.
Apply during the cooler part of the day when possible.
Store the unopened product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture.

FAQ

What is Bacillus megaterium, and why is it used in agriculture?

Bacillus megaterium, now taxonomically classified as Priestia megaterium, is a naturally occurring soil bacterium. Selected strains are used as microbial inoculants primarily for their ability to mobilize phosphorus and support root-zone nutrient availability. Some strains also produce plant-growth-associated metabolites that may support root development and crop establishment.

How can Bacillus megaterium support plant growth?

Depending on the strain, reported functions include:

Solubilizing sparingly soluble phosphorus into more plant-available forms
Producing organic acids, phosphatases and other nutrient-mobilizing metabolites
Producing indole-3-acetic acid and other growth-associated compounds
Supporting root development and nutrient acquisition
Influencing nutrient cycling and microbial activity in the rhizosphere

These characteristics are strain-dependent and should not be assumed for every B. megaterium isolate or formulation.

Is Bacillus megaterium compatible with mineral fertilizers?

It can be integrated with nitrogen, phosphorus and other mineral-fertilizer programs. Research indicates that compatible combinations may improve phosphorus availability and nutrient-use efficiency under suitable conditions. However, physical and biological compatibility depends on the fertilizer chemistry, concentration, water quality and contact time. A compatibility test is recommended before tank mixing.

Can it reduce fertilizer requirements?

Selected strains may complement phosphorus-fertilization programs by improving the availability of phosphorus already present in the soil or applied through fertilizers. This may create opportunities to optimize fertilizer inputs, but no universal reduction percentage can be recommended. Any fertilizer adjustment should be based on soil testing, crop requirements and replicated trials with the specific strain and formulation.

Which crops may benefit from Bacillus megaterium?

Positive responses have been investigated in crops including:

Cereals such as maize, wheat, rice and barley
Vegetables such as potato, cucumber, cauliflower and pepper
Oilseeds such as oilseed rape
Root crops such as sugar beet
Fruit, nursery and horticultural crops

Crop suitability and expected performance depend on the strain, formulation, soil conditions and production system.

How is the product applied?

Depending on the formulation and label directions, common application methods include:

Seed treatment or seed coating
In-furrow application at planting
Root-zone drenching
Transplant-water application
Fertigation through compatible irrigation systems
Incorporation into selected growing media

Always follow the product-specific application rate and mixing instructions.

Can it be used in hydroponic or greenhouse systems?

Suitable formulations may be applied through greenhouse irrigation or hydroponic nutrient tanks. Compatibility should be confirmed with the nutrient solution, system pH, sanitizers and filtration equipment. Avoid combining living microbial inoculants with disinfectants or bactericidal products unless compatibility has been established.

How should the product be stored?

Store the unopened product in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, excessive heat and moisture. Shelf life depends on the strain, viable-cell concentration, carrier, packaging and storage conditions. Refer to the product label, technical data sheet or certificate of analysis for the confirmed expiry period.

Is Bacillus megaterium safe to use?

Safety must be assessed at the strain and product level. Agricultural formulations containing verified strains are generally intended for use according to their label and safety data sheet. Users should follow normal handling precautions and wear the recommended personal protective equipment. Species-level information alone should not be used to make an absolute non-pathogenic or non-toxic claim for every strain and formulation.

Can it be used in organic farming?

It may be suitable for organic production when the complete formulation—including the microbial strain, carrier and additives—complies with the applicable organic standard. Acceptance should be confirmed through the product’s current certification or with the relevant organic control body.

Does it perform equally well in every soil and climate?

No. Performance can vary with soil pH, available phosphorus, organic matter, moisture, temperature, salinity, crop type and existing microbial communities. Suitable strains have been evaluated under diverse conditions, but local validation is recommended before adopting the product across a large production area.

Functions and agronomic outcomes reported for selected strains do not establish equivalent performance for every B. megaterium strain or commercial formulation.