Effects of various phosphorus fertilizers on maize yield and phosphorus uptake in soils with different pH values

The performance of fertilizers may differ significantly in different soils. Here, we quantify effects of various phosphorus (P) fertilizers on maize yield and P uptake in soils with different pH values, using a pot experiment. Five P fertilizers were used; monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), calcium superphosphate (CSP), calcium magnesium phosphate (CMP) and, ammonium polyphosphate (APP). Two soils were neutral fluvo-aquic soil (pH 7.2) and acidic yellow cinnamon soil (pH 5.0). Generally, acidic soil restricted the root activity, dry matter accumulation, P uptake, and yield of maize. The effects of P fertilizers were inconsistent in the different soils. In neutral soil, the effects were the highest for DAP and lowest for CMP. However, in acidic soil they were highest for CMP, followed by DAP, and lowest for MAP. In neutral soil, DAP treatment showed higher P uptake efficiency (PUpE) and partial factor productivity (PPFP), while CMP treatment showed higher P harvest index (PHI) and utilization efficiency PUtE. In acidic soil, the PUpE and PPFP of CMP and DAP treatments were higher than in other treatments. Therefore, choosing the right P fertilizer based on soil acidity can significantly improve maize yield, P uptake, and P utilization to optimize P management.