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

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Plant Physiology
• Soil Science

Background:

• Maize nutrient management requires deeper understanding of nutrient uptake and utilization efficiencies.
• Nitrogen (N) efficiency varies among maize varieties, impacting nutrient coordination.
• Field quantification of N, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) uptake and utilization is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare N, P, and K absorption, accumulation, and utilization in N-efficient (ZH 311) and N-inefficient (XY 508) maize varieties.
• To evaluate root dry matter, uptake rates, nutrient efficiencies, yield components, and grain yield under varying N levels.
• To analyze stage-specific nutrient accumulation patterns and coordination.

Main Methods:

• Field experiment comparing two maize varieties (ZH 311, XY 508) under four nitrogen (N) levels.
• Evaluation of root dry matter, nutrient uptake rates, absorption efficiency, and apparent utilization efficiency.
• Analysis of yield components, grain yield, and nutrient accumulation dynamics using Principal Component Analysis (PCA).

Main Results:

• N-efficient variety ZH 311 exhibited significantly higher N, P, and K absorption and accumulation in roots compared to XY 508.
• Positive correlations were found between N, P, and K accumulation.
• Nutrient accumulation peaks varied by element and growth stage, indicating coordinated but not fully synchronous uptake.
• ZH 311 yielded best at N240, while XY 508 peaked at N360, highlighting variety-specific N response.

Conclusions:

• N-efficient maize varieties possess superior N, P, and K uptake and utilization capabilities.
• Stage-specific nutrient accumulation suggests coordinated physiological processes.
• Optimizing nitrogen application rates is crucial for maximizing yield potential in different maize varieties based on their efficiency.