Impact of Maize Cultivation on Soil Health

Corn ( Zea mays L.) is one of the most important food crops in the world, not only related to food supply, but also closely related to economic development. Long term monoculture and high-intensity cultivation have brought significant pressure to the soil. This study mainly focuses on the effects of corn planting on soil physicochemical properties, biological communities, and enzyme activity, and analyzes the relationships between different tillage methods, fertilization patterns, climatic conditions, and soil types. Practices such as crop rotation, straw returning, organic fertilizer application, and conservation tillage can improve soil structure, increase organic matter content, and promote microbial diversity. Long term continuous cropping or excessive use of fertilizers often cause soil acidification, structural degradation, and ecological problems. The results of this study provide reference for corn production management and also contribute to better protecting and utilizing soil resources while increasing yield.