Phytase of the thermophilic mold Sporotrichum thermophile Apinis hydrolyzed and liberated inorganic phosphate from Ca+2, Mg+2, and Co+2 phytates more efficiently than those of Al3+, Fe2+, Fe3+, and Zn2+. The hydrolysis rate was higher at 60 A degrees C as compared to 26 A degrees C. Among all the organic acids tested, citrate was more effective in enhancing solubilization of insoluble phytate salts by phytase than others. The dry weight and inorganic phosphate contents of the wheat plants were high when supplemented with phytase or fungal spores. The plants provided with 5 mg phytate per plant exhibited enhanced growth and inorganic phosphate. With increase in the dosage of phytase, there was increase in growth and inorganic phosphate of plants, the highest being at 20 U per plant. The compost made employing the combined native microflora of the wheat straw and S. thermophile promoted growth of the plants. The plant-growth-promoting effect was also higher with the compost made using S. thermophile than that from only the native microflora.