Drip irrigation coupled with controlled-release potassium chloride enhances maize productivity by modulating soil microbial dynamics, enzyme activities, and plant growth characteristics

Drip irrigation and controlled-release potassium chloride (CRK) are both widely adopted to boost maize productivity. However, the soil biological mechanisms underlying the observed improvements in maize productivity remain inadequately elucidated. The results indicated that the combination of drip irrigation and CRK achieved the highest maize yield, KUE, and WUE, accompanied by elevated microbial diversity and relative abundances of beneficial microorganisms (e.g., Nitrospira, Longimicrobiaceae, Glomus, Rhizophagus, and Lysobacter). This combination also promoted soil N- and P- cycling enzyme activities, soil fertility, and auxin and cytokinin contents in maize roots.