Phosphorus Fertilization Impacts on Corn Yield and Soil Fertility

Optimization of phosphorus (P) fertilization is important for balancing soil fertility especially in vertisol to support economic crop production. The objective of the study was to determine the impact of P fertilization (1998 to 2014) on crop yield and nutrient uptake, and soil fertility under continuous annually tilled corn (Zea mays L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) system in semi-arid Mediterranean conditions. The study was conducted on Arik clay (isohyperthermic, fine clay Typic Haploxerert) using randomized complete block design with four replications for each treatment at the research farm of the Dept. of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey. P fertilizer at 0, 50, 100, 200kg P(2)O(5)ha(-1) as triple superphosphate (TSP), respectively was applied a week before planting corn. Results showed that increasing P fertilization rates significantly decreased the number of mycorrhizal spores associated with corn roots. Similarly, a 10% decrease in corn root mycorrhizal colonization was observed with 200kg P(2)O(5)ha(-1) fertilization. In the control treatment, corn yield was 4.3Mg ha(-1) as compared to 5.6, 5.7 and 6.1Mg ha(-1) in 50, 100 and 200kg of P2O5/ha, respectively. The relationship between P fertilization and relative yield showed that more than 95% of the corn yield was produced when P applied at 100kg P(2)O(5)ha(-1). While P fertilization significantly increased the leaf N, P, and K contents but decreased the leaf Zn, Fe and Mn contents, as compared with the control. However, P fertilization did not consistently affect the grain N and P contents. Both physiological efficiency- and agronomic efficiency of P fertilization have shown a significant non-linear increase than that of the control. Total organic C (TOC) and total N (TN) concentrations were more than 34 and 26% higher in 100 and 200kg P(2)O(5)ha(-1)rates as compared with the control. Likewise, available P (AP), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) concentrations increased with an increase in P fertilization rates. The AP, Mn and Zn contents significantly stratified by P fertilization. Our results suggested that 100kg P(2)O(5)ha(-1) is optimum to sustain Vertisol fertility for supporting economic corn production in the Mediterranean climates of Turkey.