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Enhancing the Efficiency of Maize (Zea mays L.) Nutrient Utilization through Nitrogen and Phosphorus Sources Integration

Arslan Ahmad, Muhammad Bilal Chattha, Rashid Mahmood, Muhammad Ajmal Rana, Shahbaz Ahmad

Abstract


Phosphorus (P) and Nitrogen (N) are important macronutrients for plant growth, and their deficiencies represent major constraints to agricultural productivity across the globe. Thus, this study explores the synergistic effects of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers on enhancing the efficiency of nutrient utilization of maize. A pot experiment was conducted using Single super phosphate (SSP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP) as phosphorus sources while, urea, sulfur-coated urea (SCU), and calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) were utilized as nitrogen sources. The findings demonstrate that the interactive effects of N and P fertilizers significantly enhanced above-ground biomass, root biomass, and grain yield. Specifically, the Combination of SCU and CAN with DAP resulted in 41% and 30% higher above-ground biomass and grain yield, respectively, compared to urea. Root biomass was notably improved by 46% with the CAN and DAP combination. Additionally, the synergistic application of CAN and SCU with DAP led to a 25% increase in nitrogen concentration within plant tissues than urea plus DAP. Phosphorus accumulation in soil was significantly higher (15%) under DAP treatments compared to SSP. Our findings showed that the combination of DAP with SCU or CAN is an effective strategy for enhancing the nutrient utilization and yield of maize.

Keywords


Fertilizer sources, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Agronomic parameters, Nutrient utilization

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References


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