The improper application of phosphorus (P) fertilizers not only leads to resource wastage and environmental concerns but also disrupts the normal growth and yield formation of maize. This study aims to explore the effects of varying P application rates on the growth, yield, photothermal response characteristics, P accumulation dynamics, and P recovery efficiency (PRE) in summer maize, which provides a theoretical foundation for the efficient and scientific application of P fertilizers. Field experiments were conducted over two growing seasons (2021−2022) in Wen County, Henan Province, with P application rates set at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg·P₂O₅·ha⁻¹. At maturity, maize yield and its components were quantified. During key growth stages—jointing, tasseling, silking, and grain filling—plant height, leaf area, Soil and Plant Analyzer Development (SPAD) value, the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation (FPAR), canopy temperature, acid phosphatase activity (ACP), and P accumulation were measured. The results indicated that maize grain yield initially increased with P application, peaking at an average increase of 7.92–15.88%, before decreasing. The optimal P application rates were determined to be 113 kg·P₂O₅·ha⁻¹ and 68 kg·P₂O₅·ha⁻¹, respectively. P application significantly lowered canopy temperature and leaf ACP activity while significantly increasing the SPAD value and FPAR at 90 kg·P₂O₅·ha⁻¹. Logistic regression analysis of P accumulation revealed that increasing P rates enhanced the maximum (V_max) and mean (V_mean) accumulation rates, as well as the total P accumulation. Moderate P application also improved P absorption in various plant tissues and promoted the transfer of P to the grains. However, PRE, partial factor productivity from P fertilizer (PPFP), and P agronomic efficiency (PAE) declined at higher P rates. In conclusion, P fertilization enhanced maize yield, promoted growth, improved P utilization, and optimized photothermal response characteristics across different growth stages. Based on these findings, the recommended P application rate for summer maize is between 70 and 110 kg·P₂O₅·ha⁻¹.

Long-term, excessive application of synthetic N fertilizers will reduce soil aggregate stability and N supply capacity in corn–wheat (Zea mays L. – Triticum aestivum L.) rotation. This study aimed to determine the effects of soybean (Glycine max L.) on soil aggregation, soil organic N (SON) and net amount of N mineralization (NANM) in wheat season compared with corn. Three rotation systems, corn–wheat (C-W), soybean–wheat (S-W) and soybean inoculated with Rhizobium-wheat (SR-W) were established in 2017. In wet screening, compared with C-W rotation, the mass proportions of large macro-aggregates (LM%) + small macro-aggregates (SM%) at 0–20 cm was increased by 51.9% and 16.6% under S-W and SR-W rotations, respectively, and was increased by 50.6% and 59.8%, respectively, in the 20–40 cm. The proportions of LM + SM-associated N (LMN% + SMN%), ammonium N (AN) and amino acid N (AAN) were higher under the S-W and SR-W rotations. Furthermore, the NANM of S-W and SR-W rotations increased by 34.1% and 28.6% compared with C-W rotation, respectively, and the non-N benefits of soybean played an important role. In conclusion, the improvement degree of soil aggregation by soybean is an important factor affecting soil N mineralization in wheat season.