Ammonium Polyphosphate Promotes Maize Growth and Phosphorus Uptake by Altering Root Properties

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Soil Science
• Agronomy

Background:

• Phosphorus (P) is crucial for maize yield and quality.
• Black soils often have high P but low crop P uptake efficiency.
• Optimizing P management is vital for maize production in these regions.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate the impact of different P fertilizers on maize yield.
• Assess effects on root growth parameters and P use efficiency.
• Identify optimal P management strategies for black soils.

Main Methods:

• Field experiment comparing diammonium phosphate (DAP), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), fused calcium magnesium phosphate (FCMP), DAP+FCMP, and a control (CK).
• Measured maize yield, root parameters (length, surface area, activity), soil P content, and P fractions.
• Assessed P uptake and utilization efficiencies (REp, FPp, AEp, PHI, PAC).

Main Results:

• APP significantly increased maize yield (171.8 g/plant) compared to other treatments.
• APP enhanced soil total P (TP) and inorganic P (Pi) fractions.
• APP improved root length (RL), surface area (SAR), root activity (RA), and P uptake/utilization.

Conclusions:

• Ammonium polyphosphate (APP) is superior for enhancing maize yield and P use efficiency in black soils.
• APP application improves root development and nutrient absorption.
• Selecting appropriate fertilizers like APP can optimize rhizosphere properties, boosting maize production.