Researchers discovered five types of salt-tolerant fungi that help plants absorb phosphorus even in salty soils. When these fungi were applied to sorghum plants grown in salt-affected soils, the plants grew better and absorbed more phosphorus. The most effective fungus, Penicillium oxalicum, worked by releasing organic acids and other compounds that made phosphorus more available to plants. This discovery offers a promising natural alternative to chemical fertilizers for farming in salt-affected regions.