PHOSPHORUS APPLICATION METHODS AND AGRONOMIC PERFORMANCE OF MAIZE

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the main agricultural crops in Brazil, and the efficiency of phosphate fertilization is decisive for its productive performance. In tropical soils, phosphorus availability and the mode of application can interfere with nutrient uptake, affecting growth and yield. This study aimed to evaluate different forms of phosphorus application on the development and productivity of maize at the UNIVAG experimental field in Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. The experiment was carried out between July and November 2021, in a randomized complete block design, with five replications and four treatments: application in single furrow, double furrow, broadcast, and control. At sowing, 30 kg N ha⁻¹, 120 kg P ha⁻¹, and 60 kg K ha⁻¹ were applied; in topdressing, 180 kg N ha⁻¹ and 90 kg K ha⁻¹ were used. Sowing was performed manually, at a spacing of 0.45 m, and plots were managed according to technical recommendations for the crop. Plant height, stem diameter, and grain yield were evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, and means were compared using Tukey’s test at 5% probability. No significant effects of the phosphorus application methods were observed for stem diameter (mean of 20.6 mm) or grain yield (mean of 9,051.7 kg ha-1). On the other hand, a significant effect was verified for plant height, with double-furrow (2.34 m) and broadcast (2.32 m) applications showing higher values compared to single furrow (2.20 m) and control (2.12 m). It was concluded that, under the evaluated conditions, the different forms of phosphorus application did not alter maize grain yield but influenced vegetative growth, with double-furrow and broadcast applications favoring greater plant height without translating into productive gains.