Review on Effect of Phosphorous Fertilizer and Its Availability on Growth and Development of Maize (Zea mays L.)

Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) is an important cereal crop in the world. Low soil fertility is recognized as the major constraint to low maize production and productivity. Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient element for maize production. It plays an important part in many physiological processes that occur within a developing and maturing plant. It exists in the soil solution as an anion in various forms, mono-hydrogen phosphate (HPO₄^-2) or di-hydrogen phosphate (H₂PO₄^–) depending on the soil pH. Phosphorus fertilization is a major input in crop production, as many soils lack sufficient P for effective crop production. Plants need phosphorus for growth, utilization of sugar and starch, photosynthesis, nucleus formation and cell division. An adequate supply of available P in soil is associated with increased root growth, which means roots can explore more soil for nutrients and moisture. A deficiency of P will slow overall plant growth and delay crop maturity. Phosphorus is primarily lost from farm fields through attachments to the sediment that erodes from the field, dissolved in the surface water runoff, or dissolved in leachates and carried through the soil profile. Nutrient management practices must be designed to supply required nutrients to the plant, taking into account the balance between crop demand and supply from the soil, development of P-efficient crops, and improving P-recycling efficiency in the future.

Keywords: Phosphorus, Nutrient, Soil, Production and Maize.

DOI: 10.7176/JEES/13-4-03

Publication date:June 30^th 2023