Wei Wang , Jinhua Cheng

Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, China
Author    Correspondence author
Molecular Soil Biology, 2025, Vol. 16, No. 6   
Received: 25 Sep., 2025    Accepted: 02 Nov., 2025    Published: 18 Nov., 2025

This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Maize (Zea mays) has a strong dependence on nitrogen fertilizer, but the utilization efficiency of nitrogen is generally low. Root structure (RSA) plays a significant role in the nutrient absorption of maize. Deep roots and steep root angles help to obtain deep water and nitrate nitrogen, while abundant lateral roots and root hairs enhance the absorption capacity of surface phosphorus, potassium and other nutrients. This study summarizes the relationship between the root structure of maize and nutrient absorption, explores the influence of root anatomical characteristics on the absorption efficiency of nitrogen and phosphorus, and summarizes the management measures and rhizosphere microbial interactions that affect the root structure of maize. It also discusses the research progress of the ideal root type of maize and proposes future research directions for improving the root structure, providing theoretical references for maize breeding and field management.

Maize (Zea mays); Root structure; Nitrogen absorption; Phosphorus absorption; Breeding