Can Rice Achieve High Yields with Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers Alone? Why?

1、Effects of different phosphorus and potassium supply on the root

Phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) affect seedling growth, root configuration, and nutrient uptake in hydroponic rice, but there are few studies on all growth stages of rice.

2、Improvement of soil fertility and rice yield after long

For instance, a recent study has shown that rational fertilization of rice can improve soil fertility and increase farmland production and rice yields (Takamitsu et al. 2020). In addition, it can reduce the volume of fertilizer required, improve fertilizer utilization, and reduce environmental risks.

Improvement of soil fertility and rice yield after long

3、Estimating thresholds of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer

In this study, we proposed a method that utilizes allowed ranges of partial nutrient balance and yield to estimate the threshold of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer applied to rice (Oryza sativa L.) fields in China.

Effects of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer on rice yield

Rice yield was the highest in the NPK treatment, 48.7%, 33.4%, 16.7% and 8.2% higher than that in the no fertilizer, PK, NK and NP fertilizer treatments, respectively. The basic soil productivity was the highest in the PK treatment and the lowest in the NPK treatment.

Effects of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizer on Rice Grain

The field experiment was carried out in 2019 to assess the effects of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizer application on rice yield and yield components under the double cropping system at different locations in Guangxi, including Xiangzhou county, Cenxi city, Longzhou county during the early season, and Gangbei district ...

Fertilization enhances rice productivity by promoting phosphorus uptake

We found that soil potassium content significantly improved during the planting process (P < 0.05), while rice phosphorus displayed significant variation under fertilization (P < 0.05). Notably, late rice yield was significantly higher than early rice yield (P < 0.001) after fertilization treatment.

Field

Fertilizer K and P requirements for rice (Oryza sativa L.) can be determined with site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) using estimated target yield, nutrient balances, and yield gains...

Estimating thresholds of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer

Effects of regulates phosphorus and potassium on rice yield and

Fertilization can increase the rice yield obviously, the grain yields of NPK, NP2K, NPK1, NPK+Zn and NPK2 treatments are about 20%-30% higher than those of the CK and farmars' practice treatment (FP).

Strategies for fertilizer management to achieve higher yields and

Total fertilizer input is the sum of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers. Fertilizer inputs are much higher than other agricultural inputs (electricity and diesel oil, pesticides and other materials) during conventional rice production (Crippa et al., 2021; Lin et al., 2021).

Rice, as one of the most important global food crops, directly impacts national food security and farmers' income. In agricultural production, fertilizer use is a critical means to enhance rice yields. Among various fertilizers, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers play a vital role in rice growth. can rice achieve high yields with exclusive application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers? This article analyzes the issue in detail from the following aspects.

1. The Impact of Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers on Rice Growth

1. Nitrogen Nutrition

Nitrogen is fundamental to rice growth, participating in the synthesis of proteins, chlorophyll, and other essential substances. Phosphorus in phosphorus and potassium fertilizers promotes root development and enhances root absorption capacity, thereby improving nitrogen utilization efficiency. Potassium regulates water balance in plants, strengthens stress resistance, and reduces disease incidence.

2. Phosphorus Nutrition

Phosphorus is crucial for rice growth, involved in energy metabolism, nucleic acid synthesis, and other physiological processes. It also aids root development and nutrient absorption, fostering robust growth.

3. Potassium Nutrition

Potassium is another key element, regulating enzyme activities (e.g., respiratory and phosphorylation enzymes) and osmotic pressure, which enhances drought resistance.

4. Micronutrients

Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers contain trace elements like calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, and zinc. These micronutrients, though minimal, regulate enzyme activities, photosynthesis, and respiration.

5. Bioactive Substances

Phosphorus and potassium promote the synthesis of bioactive substances (e.g., plant hormones, antioxidants), enhancing stress resistance and disease tolerance.

6. Root Structure

Phosphorus and potassium fertilizers improve root structure, making roots denser and more efficient in nutrient uptake.

7. Soil Environment

These fertilizers enrich soil organic matter, improving water retention and fertility, creating optimal conditions for rice growth.

2. The Role of Exclusive Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers in High Yields

1. Promoting Root Development

Exclusive application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers stimulates root growth, enabling better nutrient absorption and yield increases.

2. Enhancing Photosynthetic Efficiency

Phosphorus boosts leaf photosynthesis, ensuring efficient energy production—a cornerstone of high yields.

3. Improving Stress Resistance

These fertilizers enhance adaptability to adverse environmental conditions, safeguarding yields during natural disasters.

4. Yield Increase

By optimizing root development, photosynthesis, and stress resistance, exclusive phosphorus and potassium application significantly boosts rice yields, benefiting food security and farmer incomes.

3. High-Yield Effects of Exclusive Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers

1. Significant Yield Gains

Studies show that exclusive phosphorus and potassium application increases average rice yields by over 20%, underscoring its importance.

2. Economic Benefits

Higher yields reduce production costs per unit area, offering economic relief to farmers.

3. Social Benefits

Surplus rice meets domestic demand, enables export revenue, and drives related industries (e.g., machinery, pesticides), creating jobs.

4. Ecological Benefits

Improved soil fertility and reduced environmental pollution contribute to sustainable ecosystems.

4. Strategies for High Yields with Phosphorus and Potassium Fertilizers

1. Optimal Fertilization Ratios

Adjust nitrogen:phosphorus:potassium ratios (typically 1:0.5:0.5) based on regional and soil conditions to avoid overapplication.

2. Scientific Application Methods

Apply on sunny days to prevent nutrient loss, control dosage and depth, and ensure efficient absorption.

3. Integrated Management

Combine with optimized planting structures, density adjustments, and pest control to maximize yields.

4. Continuous Monitoring and Adjustment

Regularly assess soil and crop health to refine fertilization and management practices for sustained high yields.

Exclusive application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can indeed enable high rice yields. achieving this requires farmers to master scientific fertilization techniques and management practices. By leveraging the advantages of these fertilizers, China can further secure its food supply while contributing to global agricultural sustainability.