Optimization of phosphate fertilizer application strategies to improve phosphorus availability and utilization in maize

Abstract The optimization of phosphate (P) fertilizer application strategies to improve the utilization of P fertilizer in farmlands is urgently required. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effect of P fertilizer application rate and position on maize ( Zea mays L.) P utilization. A 2‐year field experiment was conducted with P fertilizer application rate (0, 40, 80, and 120 kg ha −1 ) and position (5 and 10 cm). Compared with the 5‐cm P position, the 10‐cm P position significantly increased the available phosphorus (AP) content in rhizosphere soil. Surprisingly, the rhizosphere AP content increased or remained the same when the amount of P fertilizer was reduced to 80 kg ha −1 at a distance of 5 cm, compared with that when the amount of P fertilizer was 120 kg ha −1 at a distance of 10 cm. Additionally, there was also an improvement in the root weight, root number, biomass, and maize yield in the 5‐cm position compared to the 10‐cm position. The P fertilizer use efficiency was significantly increased at the 5‐cm position compared to the 10‐cm P position, with increases of 8.93% and 4.11% (P40), 6.38% and 5.10% (P80), and 4.72% and 2.36% (P120) in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Our results showed that a closer position increased the available P content in rhizosphere soil, promoted maize growth, and improved P fertilizer utilization and maize yield, suggesting that the agronomy method with proper location of P increases the soil P availability in rhizosphere soil and P utilization in maize.