On the basis of a 4-year study, the effect of maize fertilization method on the content of mineral components and the utilization of phosphorus from fertilizer were evaluated. Two methods of fertilization were used: by broadcasting and by fertilization in rows. The effect on the content of mineral components was studied by increasing the fertilization doses from 17.4 kg P ha^-1 to 56.7 kg P ha^-1 and by the application of superphosphate and ammonium phosphate. It was found that fertilization in rows combined with seed sowing increases the content of phosphorus and nitrogen and raises the percentage of phosphorus utilization from fertilizer in comparison with the fertilization by broadcasting in the initial stage of development. Ammonium phosphate exerted a better influence on the uptake of phosphorus and nitrogen by plants and on the percentage of phosphorus uptake in comparison with superphosphate.