Row spacing and phosphorus use efficiency in no-tillage maize

Abstract

Reduced row spacing has shown to increase maize (Zea mays L.) nitrogen (N) use efficiency, but little is known about it effects on phosphorous (P) use efficiency (PUE). The objective of this study was to evaluate the PUE of maize under reduced row spacing and varying N regimes. No till maize was grown in Balcarce, Argentina, during two growing seasons using three rows spacing (35, 52, and 70 cm) and three N rates (0, 90, and 180 kg N ha−1). Shoot dry matter (DM), grain yield, and accumulated P content were determined. At V6 and R6 growth stages, the P use efficiency (PUE = g aboveground DM or grain yield per g P available) and it components P utilization efficiency (PUTE = g aboveground DM or grain yield per g P uptake), and P uptake efficiency (PUPE = g P uptake/g P available) were determined. N rate and narrower rows increased total DM, grain yield, and accumulated P content. Phosphorous concentration, PUTE, PUPE and PUE were not affected by row spacing or N rate. The present study showed that row spacing did not affect P use efficiency in no till maize when the soil P availability was adequate.