Effects of P deficiency on the plant growth and uptake of N,P and K in different maize cultivars at the seedling stage

Plant growth,root morphology and activity,uptake of N,P and K,and nutrients' transport efficiency of nine maize cultivars at the seedling stage were studied under the hydroponics and P deficiency conditions.The results showed that P deficiency decreased leaf numbers and height of plant,active uptake area of root,dry weight of plant,uptake of N,P and K,and three nutrients' transport efficiency.However,the root length,surface area,volume and total uptake area,and the ratio of root to shoot were all increased.Among nine maize cultivars and P deficiency treatments,the dry weight of liyu16 was the best and its relative biomass was the highest of 95.6% because it had larger root surface area,stronger root active uptake area,more uptake of N,P and K,higher transport efficiency of N and P,and root efficiency ratio of P and K.