5-year Effects of Potassium Fertilization Levels on Nutrition Balance and Yield in the Maize/Soybean Succession

Potassium (K)-based fertilizers are highly demanded in crop systems, as they are one of the elements most required by plants. Due to the high rates of K-fertilizers applied consecutively in agriculture and the doubts generated as to their permanence in soil and possible negative effects in a subsequent crop, there is a need for long-term studies that evaluate the residual effect of applications of these fertilizers on nutritional status and yield crops that make up the crop system. This study aimed to verify the effect of K-fertilizer doses applied in topdressing in maize on crop nutrition and yield, as well as soybean in succession. Nine doses of K2O (0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 120 and 150 kg ha(-1)) were applied to maize. The nutritional status and yield components were evaluated. Our results reveal the beneficial effect of applications, between 70 and 80 kg K2O ha(-1) on maize nutrition and yield, as well as on soybean in succession. Consecutive K2O application in doses over 90 kg ha(-1), strongly reduce the levels of leaf Ca and Mg in maize and soybean leaves and their respective grain yields.

Automated summary

Potassium-based fertilizers are essential for crop systems, but excessive and consecutive application can have negative effects on crop nutrition and yield. This study found that applying 70 to 80 kg K2O ha(-1) had a beneficial effect on maize and soybean, while doses over 90 kg ha(-1) significantly reduced nutrient levels and grain yields.