Dynamics of maize nutrient uptake and accumulation in different regions of northern China

Field experiments were conducted to study the dynamics of maize nutrient uptake and accumulation in northeast region (Heilongjiang and Jilin) and northcentral region (Hebei and Henan). The results showed that the total biomass and consumption of N and P was higher in Zhengdan 958 as spring maize cultivated in northeast region than as summer maize cultivated in northcentral region, while the pattern for K consumption was inversed. As summer maize cultivated in northcentral region, the percentage of N, P and K content of vegetative organs was higher than as spring maize cultivated in northeast region. When cultivated as spring maize in northeastern region, N and P transfer amounts from vegetative organs were higher than as summer maize cultivated in northcentral region, while K transformation was inversed. As spring maize cultivated in northeast region, the time for the maximum total biomass and nutrient uptake rate was later than as summer maize cultivated in northcentral region, therefore, the time of topdressing should be postponed for spring maize cultivated in northeast region, so that more nutrients could be taken up to increase maize yield.