Optimizing the P balance: How do modern maize hybrids react to different starter fertilizers?

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for plants, but also a limited resource worldwide. Strict regulations for fertilizer applications in the European Union are a consequence of the negative environmental effects in case of improper use. Maize is typically grown with the application of P starter fertilizer, which, however, might be reduced or even omitted if suitable varieties were available. This study was performed with the 20 commercially most important maize hybrids in Germany evaluated in multi-location field trials with the aim to investigate the potential to breed for high-performing maize hybrids under reduced P starter fertilizer. At the core location, three starter fertilizers with either phosphate (triple superphosphate, TSP), ammonium nitrate (calcium ammonium nitrate, CAN), or a combination of ammonium and phosphate (diammonium phosphate, DAP) were evaluated relative to a control and traits from youth development to grain yield were assessed. Significant differences were mainly observed for the DAP starter fertilizer, which was also reflected in a yield increase of on average +0.67 t/ha (+5.34%) compared to the control. Correlations among the investigated traits varied with starter fertilizer, but the general trends remained. As expected, grain yield was negatively correlated with grain P concentration, likely due to a dilution effect. Importantly, the genotype-by-starter fertilizer interaction was always non-significant in the multi-location analysis. This indicates that best performing genotypes can be identified irrespective of the starter fertilizer. Taken together, our results provide valuable insights regarding the potential to reduce starter fertilizers in maize cultivation as well as for breeding maize for P efficiency under well-supplied conditions.

Composition and Properties of Triple Superphosphate Obtained from Oyster Shells and Various Concentrations of Phosphoric Acid

“… 20 Other TSP studies include improving phosphate solubility in soil using Trichoderma spp., 21 preparation of slow-release TSP fertilizers, 22 , 23 and investigation of the potential to breed for maize hybrids under reduced P starter fertilizer. 24 Another researched method for producing TSP has been via monetite from brushite by using sonication. 25 The disadvantages for producing TSP fertilizer from phosphate rock are purity, insolubility, and reduction of natural mineral resources.…”

“…Recently, TSPs have also been utilized to reduce the acidity of tropical acid soil, alleviate arsenic toxicity in rice, phytostabilize Pb–Zn mine tailings, cultivate Chlorella pyrenoidosa, grow bermudagrass, produce white oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus), sustain soil fertility and improve nodulation, produce ceramics, − produce hardening composite materials, and produce bioactive composite bone cements . Other TSP studies include improving phosphate solubility in soil using Trichoderma spp., preparation of slow-release TSP fertilizers, , and investigation of the potential to breed for maize hybrids under reduced P starter fertilizer . Another researched method for producing TSP has been via monetite from brushite by using sonication .…”

Band Phosphorus and Sulfur Fertilization as Drivers of Efficient Management of Nitrogen of Maize (Zea mays L.)

“…The plants react much better to N in the form of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) than to N with ammonium nitrate and urea applied, either before sowing, as fertilizer placement at sowing or at the fifth/sixth leaf growth stage [17,20,22]. Additionally, according to Weiß et al [23], the starter fertilization DAP increases GY to a greater extent than a simultaneous application of triple superphosphate and ammonium nitrate. The result clearly indicates a synergistic effect of NH 4 + and PO 4 −3 ions.…”

“…In general, fertilizer placement leads to an increase in maize yield in comparison to broadcast irrespective of the N fertilizer type [20]. Nevertheless, the use of ammonium phosphate proves to be the most productive of methods [21][22][23]. Despite numerous scientific findings on the beneficial impact of band application on maize yield and NUE, the N ratio still poses a problem and is little recognized, especially in conditions of high N demand.…”

“…In addition, phosphate ion absorption and/or even the formation of insoluble compounds occur in soils, leading to poor use of phosphorus from broadcast fertilizers [25,26]. The risk of insufficient absorption of phosphorus in the spring by young maize plants can be mitigated by early application of the so-called starter fertilization [22,23]. Some authors recommend using this method on soils low in P and/or those with factors that hinder its uptake [27].…”