Effect on biomass production and phosphorus use efficiency of maize by using citric acid amended di-ammonium phosphate fertilizer

Phosphorus (P) is a critical factor influencing maize (Zea mays L.) development and yield. To explore the influence of P on maize growth, a pot experiment was conducted during the summer of 2021. There were five treatments T1 = No DAP/CA, T2 = 5 ml (80 mg kg−1 soil) DAP, T3 = 5 ml (120 mg kg−1 soil) DAP, T4 = 5 ml (80 mg kg−1 soil) DAP and 2 mM citric acid, T5 = 5 ml (120 mg kg−1 soil) DAP and 2 mM citric acid. Citric acid-amended P fertilizers (i.e., CA and DAP) exhibited significant effects (p < 0.05) on all the parameters studied in comparison to the sole application of DAP. Among phosphorus fertilized treatments, the DAP 120 + CA produced significantly higher biomass yield (16.37 g pot−1), while sole DAP 80 produced lower biomass (10.61 g pot−1); the DAP 120 + CA produced significantly higher plant length (34.273 cm), while sole DAP 80 produced lower plant length (30.467 cm); DAP 80 + CA produced significantly higher phosphorus recovery (25.583%), while sole DAP 120 produced lower phosphorus recovery (19.863%); DAP 120 + CA showed significantly higher phosphorus use (69.565 mg plant-1), while sole DAP 80 showed lower phosphorus use (39.154 mg plant-1); the highest total PUE (40.503%) was recorded in DAP 120 + CA treatment, while sole DAP 80 treatments showed lower PUE (22.743%); and the highest PCN (4.25 mg g-1) was recorded in DAP 120 + CA treatment while sole DAP 80 treatments showed lower PCN (3.69 mg g-1). In conclusion, the use of citric acid-amended P fertilizers (CA and DAP) significantly improved all parameters studied, compared to the sole application of DAP. The DAP 120 + CA treatment showed the highest values for biomass yield, plant length, phosphorus recovery, phosphorus use, total PUE, and PCN, while the sole DAP 80 treatment showed lower values for these parameters. The findings suggest that growing maize using citric acid-amended DAP could be more beneficial to get a higher crop yield of maize. Thus, fertilizer application in maize agriculture can be a technique for boosting both economic and environmental profitability.