The study looked at how maize plants grow and absorb nutrients when given different amounts of water and nitrogen. They found that the plants' growth and nutrient uptake increased over time, with nitrogen and potassium being absorbed faster than phosphorus. The plants absorbed nutrients at different rates throughout their growth, with the highest absorption rates occurring earlier for potassium, followed by nitrogen, and then phosphorus. Additional watering and nitrogen increased the plants' nutrient absorption rates, but did not change the overall patterns of growth and nutrient uptake.