Understanding variability in maize yield response to phosphorus fertilizer in Africa and China: Meta-analysis

Abstract The limited information on the relationship between phosphorus (P) fertilization and Agronomic efficiency of P (AEP) is a setback to farmers and agronomists for appropriate application of P fertilizer both in China and Africa. Besides, the gap between China and Africa on maize yield response to P fertilizer under different soil and rainfall condition is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to quantify the variability of maize yield response and AE of P under various conditions using meta-analysis. It was shown that, both in Africa and China, the yield response was found to be 69.9%, and 20% higher compared to the control, respectively. Despite the fact that the magnitude of yield response depends on soil fertility, the level of NK (Nitrogen and Potassium) fertilizer applied, the genotype of maize, and agronomic practices, and types of P fertilizer used, a 49.99% higher yield response was obtained due to P fertilizer in Africa compared to China and the average AE of P was significantly higher in Africa (88 kg P kg − 1 ) than in China (33 kg P kg − 1 ). Under various soil and climatic conditions maize yield response was highly affected in Africa than in China. Therefore, in Africa wholistic approach of nutrient management and soil fertility improvement along with environmental safety issue should be developed, while in China, priority should be given to enhancing AEP of aimed at reduction of environmental pollution.