Optimized Fertilization Practices Improved Rhizosphere Soil Chemical and Bacterial Properties and Fresh Waxy Maize Yield

The interactive mechanism of root and soil for achieving high and stable yield of maize is still unclear. Synchronizing soil nutrient supply with crop requirements by optimizing fertilization is effective cultivation measures to improve maize yield. In this study, field trials were conducted to investigate the dynamic changes of optimized fertilization on chemical and bacterial properties in rhizosphere soil, root physiological properties, and yield of fresh waxy maize. Optimized fertilization practices (one-time application of new compound fertilizer at sowing, three-, and six-leaf stages, denoted as F1, F2, and F3), local traditional fertilization (F4), and no fertilization (F0) were set up in 2-year field experiments at two sites. F3 increased the fresh ear (10.2%) and grain (9.4%) yields relative to F4. Optimized fertilization practices increased the abundance and diversity of rhizosphere soil bacterial communities at R3. The enzymatic activities of oxidoreductase, hydrolase, transferase, and lyase in rhizosphere soil under F3 were higher than those in other treatments at R1 and R3. F3 increased the contents of organic matter and total N in rhizosphere soil, as well as the root activities. These findings provide physiological information from underground on optimized fertilization types and stages in enhancing the yield of fresh waxy maize. One-time application of new compound fertilizer at six-leaf stage increased the abundance and diversity of bacterial, organic matter and total N content in rhizosphere soil, enhanced root activity at post-silking stage, and eventually improved yield of fresh waxy maize in southern China.