Effects of applying optimized multifunctional fertilizer on soil physical, chemical properties and yield of maize in Hexi Irrigation Areas

In order to obtain the best performance of breeding maize on alluvial soil in Hexi inland irrigation areas, the optimum formulation of multifunctional fertilizer for breeding maize was screened, and changes of soil physical and chemical properties, and yield of maize after the fertilizer application were measured. The results showed that the best formula obtained was 30 kg polyving akohol (PVA), 30 kg water retaining agent, 420 kg（NH4)2HPO4, 52 kg ZnSO47H2O, 736 kg CO(NH2)2 and 225 kg furfural residue. Compared with traditional chemical fertilizer, the application of multifunctional fertilizer increased 1.50% of the total soil porosity, 1.29% of the aggregates, 1.02% of the natural moisture content, 16.60 m3ha-1 soil water storage capacity and 0.44 gkg-1 organic matter, respectively, while bulk density and pH value decreased 0.04 gcm-3 and 0.06. The growth rate and above ground dry weight of maize seedlings increased 0.73 mmd-1 and 0.80 gstem-1. Grain number per spike, ear weight, hundred grain weight and yield of maize increased 12.68 grains per spike, 33.96 g, 0.20 g and 311.63 kgha-1. Production value and fertilization profit increased 1 558 and 517 CNYha-1, respectively.