Recent Trends in Potassium Fertilizer Application for Maize (Zea mays L.) under Diverse Planting Options: Impacts on Growth, Yield, and Nutrient Use Efficiency

Maize (Zea mays L.) plays a pivotal role in global agriculture, serving as a staple food, feed and industrial crop. As the third most cultivated cereal worldwide, its productivity is influenced by a complex interplay of agronomic inputs, among which potassium (K) remains critical but often under emphasized. K is essential for several physiological functions including enzyme activation, osmoregulation and stress mitigation. Despite this, K deficiency is prevalent in many regions due to imbalanced fertilization practices and overreliance on nitrogen and phosphorus. Additionally, planting methods significantly affect K-use efficiency by modifying root architecture, moisture availability and nutrient mobility. The recent developments (2018- 2025) in potassium fertilizer technology evaluates how diverse planting techniques influence growth, yield and nutrient use efficiency in maize. Key findings suggest that integrated nutrient and planting strategies can enhance yield by up to 30% while improving K-use efficiency by 20-35%. The review concludes with future directions for research and policy to promote sustainable potassium management in maize-based systems.