Comprehensive survey of NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) uptake (g/m²) by growth stage of maize (Zea mays)

Overview

This report systematically organizes the absorption amount (g/m²) of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) at each of the major growth stages of corn (germination, vegetative growth, flowering, and ripening/maturation) based on the latest domestic and international research, public guidelines, and academic papers. Although detailed absorption data (g/m²) for each growth stage could not be obtained from Japanese literature, representative ratios of NPK absorption at each growth stage and a method for estimating the distribution to each stage from the total absorption amount have been established through peer-reviewed papers and reports from university extension organizations overseas. Based on this, we provide scientific and logical estimates.

Total NPK absorption in corn (g/m²)

According to domestic and international cultivation guides and field data, although there are differences depending on yield and management conditions, the total absorption in corn grain production under general high-yield management is as follows:

• Nitrogen (N): approximately 25 g/m² (= 250 kg/ha)
• Phosphorus (P): approximately 5 g/m² (= 50 kg/ha)
• Potassium (K): approximately 20-25 g/m² (= 200-250 kg/ha)

This falls within the same range as the Japanese fertilizer application standards and the standard absorption amount in advanced agricultural regions such as the United States [1][2][3][4][5].

NPK absorption rate and absorption amount estimation by growth stage

Representative university extension institutions and academic papers from overseas clearly point out the NPK absorption peak and its proportion for each growth stage. Generally, it can be estimated as follows [4][5][6].

Representative value of absorption ratio

Stage	Absorption rate (%)	Main explanation
Germination - Seedling stage (VE–V4/V6)	Approx. 10–15%	Root system development, early growth stage
Vegetative growth stage (V6 – just before flowering: V T）	About 60–70%	True leaf development, main growth period of stems and leaves
Flowering and pollination period (VT/R1–R3)	N: Approximately 10–15% P: Approximately 20% K: Very little	Nutrition → Reproductive growth transition, panicle formation
Ripe-filling/ripening stage (R3–R6)	N: Approximately 10–15% P: Mainly absorbed up to the previous stage K: Most of the absorption is stopped, mainly redistribution	Harvest formation, redistribution within tissues

• By the tassel stage (VT/R1), about 73% of the annual total absorption has been absorbed for N, about 74% for P, and about 85% for K.[4][5]

Estimation of absorption amount in g/m² of each stage

Estimate by distributing the total absorption amount (N: 25g/m², P: 5g/m², K: 25g/m²) into the above proportions.

Stage	Nitrogen (N)	Phosphorus (P)	Potassium (K)
Germination to seedling (VE–V4/V6)	3.0 g	0.5 g	3.0 g
Vegetative growth (V6–VT)	15.5 g	3.3 g	16.0 g
Flowering and pollination (VT/R1–R3)	3.0 g	1.0 g	2.5 g
Ripening/ripening (R3–R6)	3.5 g	0.2 g	0.5 g

※ Details of each value:

• Allocated so that the sum of estimated values for each stage is close to the annual total absorption (N: 25g/m², P: 5g/m², K: 25g/m²).
• The stage boundaries vary slightly depending on cultivation conditions and varieties, but are calculated based on the median values ​​shown in worldwide literature.

Estimation basis and calculation method

• The percentage of each stage is the actual measured value accepted in [4][5][6].
• For conversion to g/m², apply 1kg/ha = 0.1g/m².
• The distribution ratio of each nutrient is fine-tuned based on the absorption characteristics of each growth stage (for example, in the later stages, potassium absorption decreases and is mainly redistributed, and phosphorus absorption is relatively high during germination, etc.) [5][6][7]

Scientific validity of estimated values and points to note

• This is consistent with physiological and ecological research and large-scale field observations from around the world, and is in good agreement with guidance values distributed in Japan and overseas advanced agricultural countries [1][2][4][5].
• Although direct measurement data of the fractional absorption amount is not found in Japanese literature, a practically valid estimate can be made from the agreement between the total absorption amount and the international inference model.
• There are slight variations due to year, weather conditions, fertilization design, and variety differences. Detailed field observations and domestic research are future challenges.

Overview

Currently, there is very limited direct measurement data in Japanese of NPK absorption (g/m²) by growth stage in corn, but based on major overseas literature, we can reliably present the allocation and estimation method for each stage from the total absorption. In some cases, estimating and managing the absorption amount for each stage based on the ratio (%) shown here will lead to modern and highly demonstrable topdressing design and cropping management.

References

Sources

1. Maize - BSI Institute of Biological Sciences
2. Practical corn production and utilization guide (for prefectures) 1st edition - NARO
3. Corn Growth and Development - American Grains Association
4. Water and Nutrient Uptake During the Corn Growing Season - Pioneer Agronomy
5. Roots Growth and Nutrient Uptake - Purdue Agronomy
6. Corn Nutrient Uptake and Partitioning - Crop Physiology, University of Illinois
7. Nutrient Uptake (NPK) in Relation to Growth Stage for Pearl Millet ... - SARE
8. How To Calculate Fertilizer Uptake For Corn Field Based ... - Geopard Tech
9. MAS Seeds SAS – Maize Fertilization: Maximizing Yield with Optimal NPK
10. Effect of Different Sources and Levels of K on Maize (Zea mays L ... - IJCMAS