Corn Yield Response to Phosphorus Fertilization in Northeastern China

Limited information on the relationship between corn ( Zea mays L.) yield and P fertilization rate has hampered rational P‐management strategies, which are necessary to help agronomists match P inputs with crop requirements. This study has evaluated corn yield response to P fertilization rates via 419 on‐farm experiments in northeastern China. The increased yield due to phosphorus fertilization (IY p , the highest yield among all P fertilization treatments minus the yield of the zero phosphorus control [P 0 ] treatment) averaged 1.3 Mg ha −1 and varied from –1.38 to 4.98 Mg ha −1 . This variation can be explained by variable farming practices, hybrid corn varieties, and environmental factors (e.g., water availability). Under the current P‐management system, the maximum corn yield increased and IY p decreased with increasing P 0 yield, suggesting that further increasing the IY p of the P 0 treatment via the strategic management of hybrids, soil, and P input is essential for achieving high yields and high phosphorus‐use efficiency (PUE).