Maize Genomics and Genetics 2025, Vol.16, No.1, 20-33 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/mgg 20 Research Insight Open Access Insights into Optimization of Planting Density and Fertilization in Maize Binrong Pan 1,2, Yechang Huang1,2, Xiteng Gao 1,2, QianyaXu1,2, Shuangshuang Xin 1,2, Yong’an Liu 1,2, Gaohong Yue 1,2, Renxiang Cai 3 1 South Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Crop Breeding, Wenzhou, 325006, Zhejiang, China 2 Wenzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wenzhou, 325006, Zhejiang, China 3 Agricultural Technology Extension in Zhejiang, Hangzhou, 310020, Zhejiang, China Corresponding author: rxcai@sina.com Maize Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.1 doi: 10.5376/mgg.2025.16.0003 Received: 08 Dec., 2024 Accepted: 16 Jan., 2025 Published: 28 Jan., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Pan et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Peng B.R., Huang Y.C., Gao X.T, Xu Q.Y., Xin S.S., Liu Y.A., Yue G.H., and Cai R.X., 2025, Insights into optimization of planting density and fertilization in maize, Maize Genomics and Genetics, 16(1): 20-33 (doi: 10.5376/mgg.2025.16.0003) Abstract This study explores advancements in optimizing maize planting density and fertilization strategies to enhance maize yield and resource use efficiency. By synthesizing current research findings, it highlights that high-density planting combined with precise fertilization management can significantly improve maize growth and yield. High-density planting can intensify competition among plants, requiring tailored fertilization strategies to prevent resource waste and environmental pollution. The study summarizes practices such as split nitrogen application, effective use of phosphorus and potassium, slow-release fertilizers, and foliar fertilization, and emphasizes the importance of sustainable fertilization management in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research suggests further studies on soil health and nutrient efficiency optimization to achieve highly productive and environmentally friendly agricultural production. Keywords Maize yield; Planting density; Fertilization strategies; Resource use efficiency; Sustainable agriculture 1 Introduction Maize (Zea mays), also known as corn, is one of the most significant staple crops globally, playing a crucial role in human nutrition, animal feed, and industrial applications. It is cultivated extensively across various regions, including the United States, China, and Brazil, which are the top maize-producing countries (Ranum et al., 2014). Maize is a vital source of essential nutrients such as starch, protein, and fats, contributing significantly to the energy intake of populations, especially in regions like sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, where it serves as a primary food source (Nuss and Tanumihardjo, 2010). The crop's versatility extends beyond food, as it is also used in the production of ethanol, sweeteners, and other industrial products, making it economically valuable (Ranum et al., 2014). Optimizing planting density and fertilization practices is critical for enhancing maize yield and quality. High-density planting has been shown to increase maize yield by improving resource utilization, although it can also trigger shade avoidance responses that may negatively impact plant architecture and stability (Jafari et al., 2023). Fertilization, particularly nitrogen application, is another essential factor influencing maize productivity. Various studies have demonstrated that different fertilization strategies, including the use of organic, bio, and mineral fertilizers, can significantly affect the nutrient composition and yield of maize (Dragičević et al., 2022; Alves et al., 2023). For instance, deep nitrogen fertilization combined with optimized planting patterns, such as zigzag planting, has been found to enhance root distribution, canopy structure, and overall yield (Zheng et al., 2023). Additionally, the integration of drip irrigation and fertigation methods has shown promise in stabilizing and increasing maize yields, particularly in regions with variable rainfall patterns (Żarski and Kuśmierek-Tomaszewska, 2023). This study explores and synthesizes current research on optimizing planting density and fertilization strategies for high-yield maize, examining various methods and their impacts on maize growth, nutrient composition, and yield, providing insights into effective agronomic practices for sustainably enhancing productivity, while delving into
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