Laziz Joniqulov

Phosphorus (P) is a vital macronutrient required for plant growth and development; however, only a small fraction is readily available for plant uptake because much of the soil phosphorus becomes immobilized through chemical fixation. Moreover, dependence on finite phosphate rock reserves and the intensive use of mineral phosphorus fertilizers increase production costs and raise environmental concerns, emphasizing the need for more sustainable phosphorus management strategies. Phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are key drivers of microbial phosphorus cycling, enhancing phosphorus bioavailability by transforming insoluble inorganic and organic phosphorus compounds into forms that plants can readily absorb. This process is mediated by the secretion of organic acids, phosphatases, phytases, and other metabolites involved in phosphorus mobilization. In addition to increasing phosphorus bioavailability, PSB can enhance overall nutrient-use efficiency, promote root growth and architecture, support biological nitrogen fixation, and strengthen plant resilience to abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, and temperature extremes. Owing to these multiple plant growth-promoting functions, PSB are increasingly recognized as promising bioinoculants that can improve crop productivity, enhance climate resilience, and reduce reliance on synthetic phosphorus fertilizers. This narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in understanding PSB-mediated microbial phosphorus cycling, with particular emphasis on the mechanisms underlying phosphorus solubilization, interactions with plant roots, and contributions to sustainable crop production. Evidence from laboratory, greenhouse, and field studies is synthesized to evaluate PSB-mediated mechanisms, plant responses, and their potential for agricultural application. The review also highlights key barriers to the widespread adoption of PSB, including inconsistent field performance and challenges associated with commercialization. Addressing these limitations could support the development of cost-effective biofertilizers that increase phosphorus-use efficiency, reduce dependence on mineral fertilizers, lower production costs, and enhance farm profitability while contributing to sustainable agriculture.

The adoption of digital agricultural technologies is becoming increasingly important for enhancing agricultural productivity, improving resource-use efficiency, and supporting the digital transformation of the agricultural sector. However, empirical evidence on the factors influencing farmers’ adoption of such technologies remains limited in Uzbekistan and other developing agricultural economies. This study examines the factors associated with the adoption of digital agricultural technologies among agricultural producers in Uzbekistan by extending the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) framework to include Trust and Perceived Risk. Primary data were collected from agricultural producers using a structured questionnaire. A total of 373 responses were obtained, of which 280 valid observations were retained after data screening. The proposed model was assessed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that Behavioral Intention is significantly associated with actual technology use, while Facilitating Conditions and Habit also contribute to Use Behavior. Among the factors explaining Behavioral Intention, Perceived Risk was the only statistically significant predictor; however, contrary to theoretical expectations, the relationship was positive rather than negative. The remaining UTAUT2 constructs and Trust did not have statistically significant independent effects on Behavioral Intention. These findings suggest that farmers’ decisions regarding the adoption of digital agricultural technologies in Uzbekistan may be influenced not only by perceived technological benefits but also by uncertainty, perceptions of risk, enabling conditions, and previous experience. The unexpected positive relationship between Perceived Risk and Behavioral Intention should, however, be interpreted with caution and warrants further investigation. The study provides empirical evidence from an underrepresented agricultural context and demonstrates the relevance of incorporating contextual factors such as Trust and Perceived Risk into technology acceptance models. The findings also highlight the importance of strengthening digital infrastructure, providing practical support, and reducing technology-related uncertainty to facilitate the digital transformation of agriculture in Uzbekistan.