Increase the Efficient Use of Phosphorus Fertilizer for Maize in the Calcareous Soils

Abstract

ABSTRACT Phosphorus (P) is one of the 17 essential plant nutrients, and it is critical for plant metabolism, photosynthesis, and growth. P fertilizers are also critical for crop production and global food security. Type and application method of P fertilizer may lead to increased P accumulation and crop production in the Ganges delta soils. The aim of the present study is to increase the P use efficiency (PUE) by two different P application methods for maize cultivation. The experiment comprised a factorial combination of two methods (broadcasting and furrow placement) and three rates of P fertilizer (36, 48, and 60 kg P/ha). Considering P application methods, furrow placement gave 8.66–27.92% yield benefit over broadcasting method. Maize yield, PUE by crop plant, partial factor productivity, economic efficiency, and P concentration in leaf were remarkably higher in furrow placement than conventional broadcasting method of P application. The furrow placement exhibited higher yield at lower rate of P application (36 and 48 kg P/ha), while no significant changes were observed for grain yield between two methods for high P rate (60 kg/ha). Thus, it is concluded that furrow placement of P application at 36 and 48 kg/ha would give the best grain yield of maize in the Ganges delta floodplain soils.