Synergistic nutrient uptake and utilization in maize varieties with different nitrogen efficiencies

Numerous studies have examined nutrient accumulation and distribution in maize varieties with varying nitrogen (N) efficiencies, yet research on their coordinated nutrient uptake and utilization under field conditions remains insufficiently quantified. We studied differences in the absorption, accumulation, and utilization of N, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) in the roots of N-efficient maize variety ZH 311 and N-inefficient variety XY 508 under four N levels from 2024 to 2025. Root dry matter, stage-specific uptake rates, nutrient absorption efficiency, apparent utilization efficiency, yield components, and grain yield were also evaluated. The absorption efficiency and accumulation of N, P, and K in the roots of ZH 311 were significantly higher than those in XY 508, with positive relationships observed among N, P, and K accumulation. The accumulation peaks of N, P, and K occurred at V12-R1, R3-R6, and V6-V12, respectively, indicating stage-specific coordination rather than completely synchronous uptake. Principal component analysis based on six nutrient-efficiency indicators showed that PC1 and PC2 explained 57.54% and 32.45% of the total variation, respectively. These results show the superior N, P, and K uptake and utilization efficiency of N-efficient varieties compared with N-inefficient ones. Yield analysis further showed that ZH 311 achieved the highest yield under N240, whereas XY 508 reached the highest yield under N360, suggesting that moderate N input can better match the nutrient-efficiency advantage of ZH 311.