1、Potassium nutrition of maize: Uptake, transport, utilization, and role

Maize consumed 20% (2.7 Mt) of China’s K fertilizer, more than any other crop. K fertilizer is applied to Chinese maize at 71 kg ha −1, a rate much higher than the world average (39 kg ha −1). Maize cultivars or genotypes display high diversity for K uptake and utilization efficiency (KUE).

2、Effects of different fertilization practices on maize yield, soil

In conclusion, rational fertilization can improve the soil nutrient content and increase maize yield. The combined application of chemical and organic fertilizer showed the greatest increase in...

3、Potassium Management for Improving Growth and Grain Yield of Maize (Zea

It was concluded from the results that application of foliar K at the rate of 1–3% and foliar Zn at the rate of 0.1–0.2% was more beneficial in terms of better growth, higher yield and yield components of maize under moisture stress condition.

Effect of Different Long

We established an eight-year experiment comparing the effects of five K fertilization treatments (0, 48, 84, 120 and 156 kg K ha −1) on crop yield, K use efficiency and soil apparent K balance under the maize–wheat rotation system in the North China Plain.

Potassium Fertilization Requirements for Maize in the Late Growth Stage

Potassium (K) fertilizer, as a critical nutrient in soil, significantly enhances maize growth, development, and productivity. rational application of potassium fertilizer is essential for improving maize yield and quality.

Effects of long

Potassium (K) nutrition is fundamental to maize ( Zea mays L.) productivity. The effect of long-term, large-scale exogenous K input on the K absorption and utilization of maize and the soil K balance were studied to determine the corresponding optimum yield of maize and efficiency of K fertilizer.

Effects of Biofertilizers and Potassium Sulfate On Nutrients Uptake and

To achieve this, a Completely Randomized Design with ten treatments experiment was conducted in greenhouse conditions. The findings revealed that biofertilizers have the potential to improve maize yield and physiological characteristics, particularly under drought stress.

Impacts of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers

To effectively mitigate global-scale famines, utilization of inorganic fertilizers, notably three macronutrients, i.e., nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), has been continuously intensified in farming lands globally (Erisman et al., 2008, Bindraban et al., 2018).

Maize Fertilization: Maximizing Yield with Optimal NPK Nutrient

Understanding the delicate balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – the pivotal macronutrients in maize fertilization – is crucial for farmers who aim to maximize their yield while minimizing environmental impact.

Optimizing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilization regimes to

We hypothesized that a reasonable N, P, and K fertilizer application regimes under DRFM could improve maize yield and resources utilization efficiencies.

Maize is one of the world's most important food crops, with a significant demand for potassium fertilizers. Potassium not only promotes maize growth, increases yield, and improves grain quality but also plays a critical role in physiological functions. Below are recommendations for effectively using fertilizers to replenish potassium in maize:

1. Understanding Maize’s Potassium Requirements

• Physiological Roles: Potassium participates in multiple metabolic processes within plants, including energy production, protein synthesis, and enzyme activity regulation. It also helps maintain cell structure stability, preventing excessive water absorption and cell rupture. For maize, adequate potassium enhances stress resistance (e.g., drought tolerance, lodging resistance) and improves photosynthetic efficiency.
• Demand Characteristics: Potassium needs vary across growth stages. From seedling to tasseling, maize requires high potassium levels to promote root development and sturdy stems. Even during later maturation stages, minimal potassium supplementation remains essential to sustain normal growth and grain quality.

2. Selecting Appropriate Potassium Fertilizer Types

• Inorganic Potassium Fertilizers: Such as potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) and potassium chloride (KCl). These are widely available, cost-effective, and easy to store, but excessive long-term use may acidify soil.
• Organic Potassium Sources: Examples include wood ash, animal manure, etc. These provide diverse nutrients but require careful timing and methods to avoid nutrient loss or environmental pollution.
• Compound Fertilizers: Mixtures of potassium with other nutrients (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium). These improve nutrient uptake efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and meet multifaceted maize requirements.

3. Rational Application of Potassium Fertilizers

• Basal Application: Spread potassium evenly over the field during land preparation and incorporate it into the soil. Suitable for large-scale farming to ensure uniform distribution.
• Topdressing: Apply potassium at critical growth stages (jointing, booting, grain-filling). Use moderate amounts per application to avoid soil salinization.
• Foliar Spraying: Spray potassium solutions directly onto leaves for rapid absorption. Effective but requires careful control of concentration and frequency to prevent leaf damage.

4. Timing and Methods of Fertilization

• Optimal Periods: Early and mid-growth stages are critical for potassium application, as maize demands peak during these periods.
• Application Methods: Use ditch/hole application for large fields or foliar spraying for smaller areas. Follow the "small doses, multiple applications" principle to prevent soil imbalance or salt accumulation.

5. Key Considerations

• Soil Conditions: Soil type affects potassium absorption. Sandy soils risk leaching, while clayey soils may limit availability. Conduct soil tests before fertilization to tailor dosage and type.
• Dosage Control: Excessive potassium can cause soil salinization. Based on soil tests, apply 5–10 kg/mu (recommended range) to balance nutrient supply.
• Timing Adjustments: Apply in early morning or evening to reduce evaporation. Avoid midday heat to prevent fertilizer degradation.

6. Integrated Management Practices

• Irrigation: Ensure consistent soil moisture for root development and nutrient uptake, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root hypoxia and disease.
• Pest Control: Address pests (e.g., corn borers, silk rot pathogens) that may worsen under potassium deficiency. Monitor crops and combine fertilization with timely pest management.
• Crop Rotation/Intercropping: Rotate or intercrop maize with other species to reduce disease risks, improve soil health, and boost biodiversity. This practice also enhances soil structure and organic matter content.

following these guidelines ensures efficient potassium supplementation, robust maize growth, and maximized yields.