The practice of intercropping leguminous and gramineous crops is used for promoting sustainable agriculture,optimizing resource utilization,enhancing biodiversity,and reducing reliance on petroleum products.However,pr...The practice of intercropping leguminous and gramineous crops is used for promoting sustainable agriculture,optimizing resource utilization,enhancing biodiversity,and reducing reliance on petroleum products.However,promoting conventional intercropping strategies in modern agriculture can prove challenging.The innovative technology of soybean maize strip intercropping(SMSI)has been proposed as a solution.This system has produced remarkable results in improving domestic soybean and maize production for both food security and sustainable agriculture.In this article,we provide an overview of SMSI and explain how it differs from traditional intercropping.We also discuss the core principles that foster higher yields and the prospects for its future development.展开更多
The study of Nitrogen fixation, uptake, and leaching at different soil depths in the co-cultivation of maize and soybean under phosphorus fertilization is important for sustainable agriculture. This study was conducte...The study of Nitrogen fixation, uptake, and leaching at different soil depths in the co-cultivation of maize and soybean under phosphorus fertilization is important for sustainable agriculture. This study was conducted in Quzhou, Hebei Province, China, with MC812 maize and Jidou12 soybean varieties. Soil samples were taken from each plot to create a composite sample. The results show that nitrogen concentration varies at different depths and is higher in all treatments between 40 and 100 cm. Incorporating intercropping of maize and soybeans into farming practices can lead to more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture in China.展开更多
Intercropping, particularly the combination of maize and soybeans, has been widely recognized for its potential to improve nitrogen uptake and promote sustainable agriculture. This study examines the patterns of nitro...Intercropping, particularly the combination of maize and soybeans, has been widely recognized for its potential to improve nitrogen uptake and promote sustainable agriculture. This study examines the patterns of nitrogen uptake in maize and soybean intercropping systems under different growth stages and phosphorus fertilization levels and investigates the influence of nitrogen uptake on growth parameters such as plant height, leaf area, and biomass accumulation in the maize/soybean intercrop under different phosphorus fertilization regimes. The study also collected chlorophyll samples at different growth stages of maize in monoculture and intercropping with maize or soybean. The results showed that plant height was greater in V10 in both fertilized and unfertilized treatments for intercropped maize and soybean, and chlorophyll concentration was higher in VT intercropped maize. The results also showed a higher accumulation of biomass. Understanding the growth dynamics of these plants in monoculture and intercropping systems and the impact of fertilization practices is crucial for optimizing crop productivity and sustainability in agricultural systems.展开更多
[Objective] The aim was to explore efficient maize and peanut intercrop-ping mode and select suitable peanut varieties of the mode in Yungui Plateau. [Method] In the test, 6 cropping methods were set by randomized blo...[Objective] The aim was to explore efficient maize and peanut intercrop-ping mode and select suitable peanut varieties of the mode in Yungui Plateau. [Method] In the test, 6 cropping methods were set by randomized block design. Yields and economic benefits were measured in mature stage with Excelland DPS. [Result] Compared with monoculture, maize and peanut intercropping systems took advantages and LER values were proved higher than 1. In the intercropping system with maize and Yun peanut No.3 at 2∶2, in particular, the value of LER was 1.40 and compound yield reached 9 036 kg/hm2; the net output values of maize kernel and fresh/dry peanut pod increased by 182.63% and 140.59%, compared with maize by monoculture. In addition, the output values of Yun peanut No.3 by monoculture and intercropping system increased by 5 069 and 3 272 yuan/hm2, respectively, than Yanshan conventional peanut varieties. [Conclusion] The efficient intercropping system with maize and peanut mode at 2∶2 mode in Yungui plateau and the Yun peanut No.3 exhibited higher yield and economic benefit advantages, compared with Yanshan conventional planting peanut varieties.展开更多
In monoculture, crop failure due to biotic or abiotic causes can result in partial or total output failure. The yield, socio-economic, and environmental effects of intercropping on the farmer and the environment as a ...In monoculture, crop failure due to biotic or abiotic causes can result in partial or total output failure. The yield, socio-economic, and environmental effects of intercropping on the farmer and the environment as a whole have not received much attention. There is a dearth of knowledge on the productivity of maize-groundnut intercrops in Ghana regarding the relative timing of planting and spatial arrangement of component crops. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the effects of spatial row arrangement and the time of planting intercrops on the productivity of groundnut under maize-groundnut intercropping. The 5 × 3 factorial field experiment was undertaken at the Miminaso community in the Ejura-Sekyedumase municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana during the 2020 cropping seasons. Treatments were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The levels of row arrangement of intercrops were: one row of maize and one row of groundnut (1M1G), one row of maize and two rows of groundnut (1M2G), two rows of maize and one row of groundnut (2M1G), two rows of maize and two rows of groundnut (2M2G), sole maize and sole groundnut (M/G). The levels of time of introducing groundnut included simultaneous planting of intercrops (0 WAP), planting groundnut one week after planting maize (1 WAP) and planting groundnut two weeks after planting maize (2 WAP). There were significant (P 0.05) treatment interactions for pod and seed yields of groundnut throughout the study. The highest groundnut pod yields of 1815.00 kg/ha and 2359.00 kg/ha were recorded by the 0WAP × 1M2G treatment in the major and minor seasons of 2020, respectively, while the highest groundnut seed yields of 741.00 kg/ha and 726.00 kg/ha were recorded in the major and minor rainy seasons of 2020 by 1WAP × G and 0WAP × G treatments, respectively. The highest seed yields of groundnut (404 kg/ha and 637 kg/ha for major and minor rainy seasons, respectively) were produced by 1WAP × 2M2G.展开更多
Soil fertility continues to decline in Ghana due to unsustainable human activities like bush burning, quarrying, improper farming practices, among others. To resolve this challenge, crop farmers resort to continuous u...Soil fertility continues to decline in Ghana due to unsustainable human activities like bush burning, quarrying, improper farming practices, among others. To resolve this challenge, crop farmers resort to continuous use of mineral fertilizers in Ghana, which contaminates the environment and makes crop farming less sustainable and productive. One of the strategies to improve soil fertility and productivity for sustainable crop yields is intercropping. Studies were, therefore, undertaken at Miminaso in the Ejura-Sekyedumase municipality of Ashanti Region of Ghana during the 2020 cropping seasons to determine the effects of spatial row arrangement and time of planting maize and groundnut intercrops on productivity of maize and land equivalent ratio (LER). One row of maize and one row of groundnut (1M1G), one row of maize and two rows of groundnut (1M2G), two rows of maize and one row of groundnut (2M1G), two rows of maize and two rows of groundnut (2M2G), sole maize (M) and sole groundnut (G) were factorially arranged with concurrent planting of intercrops (0 WAP), planting groundnut one week after planting maize (1 WAP) and planting groundnut two weeks after planting maize (2 WAP) in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. There were significant treatment interaction (P < 0.05) effects for shelling percentage for maize in both seasons of the trial. In the major season of 2020, the highest shelling percentage of 79.30% was associated with 0 WAP × M, while in the minor season of 2020, the highest shelling percentage of 75.02% was recorded by 0 WAP × 2M1G. The treatment interaction effects for maize grain yield were significant only in the minor season of 2020 with the highest maize grain yield of 6341 kg/ha being produced by the sole maize treatment, followed by 1 WAP × 2M2G (6152 kg/ha). The highest LER of 3.05 was associated with 1 WAP × 2M2G in the minor season of 2020. Planting groundnuts within the first week of planting maize (1 WAP) increased maize seed yield and LER in two rows of maize and two rows of groundnut (2M2G) row arrangements.展开更多
Maize/peanut intercropping system shows the significant yield advantage. Soil microbes play major roles in soil nutrient cycling and were affected by intercropping plants. This experiment was carried out to evaluate t...Maize/peanut intercropping system shows the significant yield advantage. Soil microbes play major roles in soil nutrient cycling and were affected by intercropping plants. This experiment was carried out to evaluate the changing of rhizosphere microbial community composition, and the relationship between microbial community and soil enzymatic activities, soil nutrients in maize/peanut intercropping system under the following three treatments： maize （Zea mays L.） and peanut （Arachis hypogaea L.） were intercropped without any separation （NS）, by half separation （HS） using a nylon net （50 μm） and complete separation （CS） by using a plastic sheet, respectively. The soil microbial communities were assessed by phospholipid fatty acid （PLFA）. We found that soil available nutrients （available nitrogen （Avail N） and available phosphorus （Avail P）） and enzymatic activities （soil urase and phosphomonoesterase） in both crops were improved in NS and HS treatments as compared to CS. Both bacterial and fungal biomasses in both crops were increased in NS followed by HS. Furthermore, Gram-positive bacteria （G＋） in maize soils were significant higher in NS and HS than CS, while the Gram-negative （G-） was significant higher in peanut soil. The ratio of normal saturated to monounsaturated PLFAs was significantly higher in rhizosphere of peanut under CS treatment than in any other treatments, which is an indicator of nutrient stress. Redundancy analysis and cluster analysis of PLFA showed rhizospheric microbial community of NS and HS of both plants tended to be consistent. The urase and Avail N were higher in NS and HS of both plants and positively correlated with bacteria, fungi （F） and total PLFAs, while negatively correlated with G＋/G- and NS/MS. The findings suggest that belowground interactions in maize/peanut intercropping system play important roles in changing the soil microbial composition and the dominant microbial species, which was closely related with the improving of soil available nutrients （N and P） and enzymatic activities.展开更多
Intercropping is used widely by smallholder farmers in developing countries to increase land productivity and profitability. We conducted a maize/peanut intercropping experiment in the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons in...Intercropping is used widely by smallholder farmers in developing countries to increase land productivity and profitability. We conducted a maize/peanut intercropping experiment in the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons in Shandong, China. Treatments included sole maize (SM), sole peanut (SP), and an intercrop consisting of four rows of maize and six rows of peanut (IM and IP). The results showed that the intercropping system had yield advantages based on the land equivalent ratio (LER) values of 1.15 and 1.16 in the two years, respectively. Averaged over the two years, the yield of maize in the intercropping was increased by 61.05% compared to that in SM, while the pod yield of peanut was decreased by 31.80% compared to SP. Maize was the superior competitor when intercropped with peanut, and its productivity dominated the yield of the intercropping system in our study. The increased yield was due to a higher kernel number per ear (KNE). Intercropping increased the light transmission ratio (LTR) of the ear layer in the maize canopy, the active photosynthetic duration (APD), and the harvest index (HI) compared to SM. In addition, intercropping promoted the ratio of dry matter accumulation after silking and the distribution of 13C-photosynthates to grain compared to SM. In conclusion, maize/peanut intercropping demonstrated the potential to improve the light condition of maize, achieving enhanced photosynthetic characteristics that improved female spike differentiation, reduced barrenness, and increased KNE. Moreover, dry matter accumulation and 13C-photosynthates distribution to grain of intercropped maize were improved, and a higher grain yield was ultimately obtained.展开更多
Intercropping of maize(Zea mays L.) and peanut(Arachis hypogaea L.) often results in greater yields than the respective sole crops. However, there is limited knowledge of aboveground and belowground interspecific inte...Intercropping of maize(Zea mays L.) and peanut(Arachis hypogaea L.) often results in greater yields than the respective sole crops. However, there is limited knowledge of aboveground and belowground interspecific interactions between maize and peanut in field. A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of interspecific interactions on plant growth and grain yield for a peanut/maize intercropping system under different nitrogen(N) and phosphorus(P) levels. The method of root separation was employed to differentiate belowground from aboveground interspecific interactions. We observed that the global interspecific interaction effect on the shoot biomass of the intercropping system decreased with the coexistence period, and belowground interaction contributed more than aboveground interaction to advantages of the intercropping in terms of shoot biomass and grain yield. There was a positive effect from aboveground and belowground interspecific interactions on crop plant growth in the intercropping system, except that aboveground interaction had a negative effect on peanut during the late coexistence period. The advantage of intercropping on grain came mainly from increased maize yield(means 95%) due to aboveground interspecific competition for light and belowground interaction(61%–72% vs. 28%–39% in fertilizer treatments). There was a negative effect on grain yield from aboveground interaction for peanut, but belowground interspecific interaction positively affected peanut grain yield.The supply of N, P, or N + P increased grain yield of intercropped maize and the contribution from aboveground interspecific interaction. Our study suggests that the advantages of peanut/maize intercropping for yield mainly comes from aboveground interspecific competition for maize and belowground interspecific facilitation for peanut, and their respective yield can be enhanced by N and P. These findings are important for managing the intercropping system and optimizing the benefits from using this system.展开更多
Adjustment of planting geometry along with suitable maize cultivar can be a viable tool for maximizing land usage and net return. A two-year study was carried out at Serw Agricultural Experiments and Research Station,...Adjustment of planting geometry along with suitable maize cultivar can be a viable tool for maximizing land usage and net return. A two-year study was carried out at Serw Agricultural Experiments and Research Station, A.R.C., Domiate governorate, Egypt, during 2015 and 2016 seasons to evaluate intercropping cowpea with suitable maize cultivar and its planting geometry for maximizing land usage and net return. The treatments were the combinations between three maize cultivars (SC 30K08, TWC 310 and TWC 352) and three maize plant distributions (one plant/hill distanced at 25, 50 and 75 cm between hills, respectively). Ridge width with maize plant distribution formed maize planting geometry (25 cm × 140 cm, 50 cm × 140 cm and 75 cm × 140 cm). These treatments were compared in a split plot distribution in randomized complete block design with three replications. Maize cultivar SC 30K08 had the highest grain yield and its attributes compared with the other cultivars in both seasons. Also, maize planting geometry 25 cm × 140 cm resulted in the highest grain yield and its attributes compared with the other planting geometries in both seasons. Ear length, ear weight, 100-grain weight and grain yield/fad were affected significantly by maize cultivars × maize planting geometry. Intercropping cowpea with maize cultivar TWC 352 had the highest seed yield and its attributes compared with those intercropped with the other cultivars in both seasons. Also, maize planting geometry 75 cm × 140 cm resulted in the highest seed yield and its attributes through growing two cowpea rows between maize hills compared with the other maize planting geometries in both seasons. Number of pods/plant and seed yield/fad were affected significantly by maize cultivars × maize planting geometry. LER and LEC values of the intercrops were much greater than 1.00 and 0.25, respectively, for all the combinations indicating less land requirements of intercropping system than solid culture of both crops. Growing one row of maize cultivar TWC352 in both sides of bed 140 cm width with cowpea two rows in middle of the bed increased land productivity and net return compared with solid culture of maize.展开更多
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research<span style="font-family:;" "="">-</span><span style="font-family:;" "="">Savanna Agricultural Research...Council for Scientific and Industrial Research<span style="font-family:;" "="">-</span><span style="font-family:;" "="">Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) in collaboration with University of California, Riverside phenotyped 300 Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) of Multi</span><span style="font-family:;" "="">-</span><span style="font-family:;" "="">parent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) cowpea population from eight elite cowpea cultivars in Northern Ghana. Among the traits targeted in the phenotyping is extra early maturity suitable for Sudan Savanna agro ecological zone of Ghana. Ten selected extra early genotypes from the MAGIC population were intercropped with maize to identify genotype(s) that can maintain agronomic performances and grain yield. A field experiment was carried out at the Manga Station of SARI, Ghana during the 2018 and 2019 growing season to evaluate the ten extra-early cowpea genotypes in maize/cowpea intercrop. The experimental design used was split plot with three replications. The cropping patterns (row, strip and sole cropping) were assigned to the main plot. Ten cowpea genotypes (MAGIC 008, MAGIC 043, MAGIC 048, MAGIC 055, MAGIC 076, MAGIC 118, MAGIC 154, MAGIC 176, CB27, and SARC 1-57-2) were assigned to sub-plots. The results indicated that the number of seed per pod of the cowpea was not affected by cowpea genotype and intercrop pattern interaction;however, the interaction influenced grain yield, pod <span>per plant, plant height, 50% flowering and 100 seed weight of cowpea. MAGIC</span> genotypes, M008, M048, M055, M154, recorded higher grain yield under both strip intercropping and sole cropping. SARC1-57-2 also recorded the highest grain yield under row intercropping. M048, M055, M076, M176 and SARI’s collection SARC1-57-2 were the top five genotypes in fodder production. Intercropping advantage was compared with sole cropping. Land equivalent ratio greater than 1 was observed for all the genotypes with MAGIC 048 recording the highest LER at strip intercrop. Benefit Cost Ratio also showed that there is advantage of intercropping than sole cropping.</span>展开更多
Maize forage is poor in protein content which leads to low quality and nutritive value.Regarding the high feed costs of protein supplementations,legumes can be used in livestock nutrition for their high protein conten...Maize forage is poor in protein content which leads to low quality and nutritive value.Regarding the high feed costs of protein supplementations,legumes can be used in livestock nutrition for their high protein content,and thus,provide cost savings.In this study,maize(Zea mays L.)and cowpea(Vigna unguiculata L.)were intercropped in different sowing densities and fertilization with clinoptilolite and their monocropping equivalents were tested to determine the best intercropping system on forage yield and quality.Maize was cultivated alone(75,000 plants·ha^-1)and intercropped with cowpea as follows:75,000 plants·ha-1 of maize and 37,500 plants·ha^-1 of cowpea(MC1),75,000 plants·ha^-1 of maize and 50,000 plants·ha-1 of cowpea(MC2)and 75,000 plants·ha^-1 of maize and 75,000 plants·ha^-1 of cowpea(MC3),in rows alternating with maize.The highest dry matter yield was produced by MC3(23.8 t·ha^-1),and the lowest by SM(20.7 t·ha^-1)in fertilization with clinoptilolite.All intercropped systems had higher crude protein contents,MC1(101 g·kg^-1 DM),MC2(108 g·kg^-1 DM)and MC3(117 g·kg^-1 DM),than the monocrop maize(84 g·kg^-1 DM)in fertilization with clinoptilolite.Intercropping of maize with cowpea and fertilization with clinoptilolite reduced neutral detergent fiber,resulting in increased forage digestibility.Therefore,maize intercropping with cowpea and fertilization with clinoptilolite could substantially increase forage quantity and quality,and decrease requirements for protein supplements as compared with maize monocrop.展开更多
In a long term study photosynthetically active radiation was monitored for three rainy seasons to measure the effects of hedgerow intercropping in rotation with maize and cowpea in a senna/siamea and panicum/grass str...In a long term study photosynthetically active radiation was monitored for three rainy seasons to measure the effects of hedgerow intercropping in rotation with maize and cowpea in a senna/siamea and panicum/grass strip on biomass yield and light use efficiency. Maize/cowpea intercropped with senna siamea or grass stripped were compared with sole maize and cowpea. A ceptometer was applied to measure PAR interception by sole maize or cowpea or crop/tree and grass/crop interfaces and separation of PAR used by each plant or tree/grass component. Hedgerow intercropping increased PAR interception and biomass formation. C4 plants had higher LUE than C3 plants while combining C4 and C3 in the agroforestry system lowered LUE. The tree/crop interfaces increased PAR interception than at 1 m and 2 m away from the hedgerow. The row of maize or cowpea at lm intercepted more PAR than the row at 2 m from hedgerow while the cowpea row next to the hedgerow was depressed compared to the rows in the middle rows which had higher yields. The maize or cowpea row next to the grass strip was more stressed than the rows in the middle of the alley.展开更多
[Objective] The aim was to discuss the group dry matter accumulation and economic benefits under the patterns of intercropping maize （Zea mays L.） with soy-bean [Glycine max （L.） Merril ]. [Methods] Zhengdan-958 a...[Objective] The aim was to discuss the group dry matter accumulation and economic benefits under the patterns of intercropping maize （Zea mays L.） with soy-bean [Glycine max （L.） Merril ]. [Methods] Zhengdan-958 and Luhuang-1 were used as the testing breeds to study the effects of intercropping patterns on dry matter accumulation and transportation of maize and soybean in Huang-huai-hai. [Results] For maize, the dry matter accumulation amounts per hectare of intercropping was significant higher than that of the monoculture patterns, especial y after silking, when it reached extremely level; while for soybean, the dry matter accumulation amounts before flowering and after flowering of monocropping were al significantly higher than that of the intercropping patterns. For both maize and soybean, the transfer amounts of monocropping were al significantly or extremely significantly higher than that of intercropping; and the transfer ratio of maize intercropping was 0.59% higher than that of maize monocropping, while for soybean, it was 4.74% higher. Fitted dry matter accumulation with Logistic equation, it showed that the difference in maximum dry matter accumulation rate between maize monocropping and intercropping reached significant level, while for soybean, the maximum dry matter accumulation rate and its appearance time as wel as duration time between intercropping and monocropping were al reached significant level. The total land equivalent ratio of intercropping was 1.30. From yield and output value, the total yield of intercropping were 10.97 t/hm2, 0.64% and 326.85% higher than monocropping of maize and soy-bean, respectively. The total output value of intercropping was 25 796.23 yuan/hm2, respectively 12.67% and 104.68% higher than of maize and soybean monocropping. [Conclusion] The study lays a basis for improving grain yield and economic benefits.展开更多
Intercropping is one of the most vital practice to improve land utilization rate in China that has limited arable land resource. However, the traditional intercropping systems have many disadvantages including illogic...Intercropping is one of the most vital practice to improve land utilization rate in China that has limited arable land resource. However, the traditional intercropping systems have many disadvantages including illogical field lay-out of crops, low economic value, and labor deficiency, which cannot balance the crop production and agricultural sustainability. In view of this, we developed a novel soybean strip intercropping model using maize as the partner, the regular maize-soybean strip intercropping mainly popularized in northern China and maize-soybean relay-strip intercropping principally extended in southwestern China. Compared to the traditional maize-soybean intercropping systems, the main innovation of field lay-out style in our present intercropping systems is that the distance of two adjacent maize rows are shrunk as a narrow strip, and a strip called wide strip between two adjacent narrow strips is expanded reserving for the growth of two or three rows of soybean plants. The distance between outer rows of maize and soybean strips are expanded enough for light use efficiency improvement and tractors working in the soybean strips. Importantly, optimal cultivar screening and increase of plant density achieved a high yield of both the two crops in the intercropping systems and increased land equivalent ratio as high as 2.2. Annually alternative rotation of the adjacent maize-and soybean-strips increased the grain yield of next seasonal maize, improved the absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potasium of maize, while prevented the continuous cropping obstacles. Extra soybean production was obtained without affecting maize yield in our strip intercropping systems, which balanced the high crop production and agricultural sustainability.展开更多
A 2-yr field experiment was conducted on a calcareous alluvial soil with four summer maize intercropping systems at Shangzhuang Experiment Station （116.3°E, 39.9°N） in the North China Plain. The objective ...A 2-yr field experiment was conducted on a calcareous alluvial soil with four summer maize intercropping systems at Shangzhuang Experiment Station （116.3°E, 39.9°N） in the North China Plain. The objective was to determine nitrate leaching from intercropping systems involving maize （Zea mays L.）： sole maize （CK）, maize ＋ soybean （CST）, maize ＋ groundnut （CGT）, maize ＋ ryegrass （CHM）, and maize ＋ alfalfa （CMX）. Intercropping greatly reduced nitrate accumulation in the 100-200 cm soil layers compared with maize monoculture. Nitrate accumulation under intercropping systems decreased significantly at the 140-200 cm soil depth; the accumulation varied in the order CK〉CST〉CMX〉CHM〉CGT. However, compared to the CK treatment, nitrate leaching losses during the maize growing period were reduced by 20.9- 174.8 （CGT）, 35.2-130.8 （CHM）, 60.4-122.0 （CMX）, and 30.6-82.4 kg ha-1 （CST）. The results also suggested that intereropping is an effective way to reduce nitrogen leaching in fields with N fertilizer over-dose.展开更多
Many studies have focused on various agricultural management measures to reduce agricultural nitrous oxide （N2O） emission. However, few studies have investigated soil N2O emissions in intercropping systems in the No...Many studies have focused on various agricultural management measures to reduce agricultural nitrous oxide （N2O） emission. However, few studies have investigated soil N2O emissions in intercropping systems in the North China Plain. Thus, we conducted a ifeld experiment to compare N2O emissions under monoculture and maize-legume intercropping systems. In 2010, ifve treatments, including monocultured maize （M）, maize-peanut （MP）, maize-alfalfa （MA）, maize-soybean （MS）, and maize-sweet clover （MSC） intercropping were designed to investigate this issue using the static chamber technique. In 2011, M, MP, and MS remained, and monocultured peanuts （P） and soybean （S） were added to the trial. The results showed that total production of N2O from different treatments ranged from （0.87＆#177;0.12） to （1.17＆#177;0.11） kg ha-1 in 2010, while those ranged from （3.35＆#177;0.30） to （9.10＆#177;2.09） kg ha-1 in 2011. MA and MSC had no signiifcant effect on soil N2O production compared to that of M （P＆lt;0.05）. Cumulative N2O emissions from MP in 2010 were signiifcantly lower than those from M, but the result was the opposite in 2011 （P＆lt;0.05）. MS signiifcantly reduced soil N2O emissions by 25.55 and 48.84%in 2010 and 2011, respectively （P＆lt;0.05）. Soil N2O emissions were signiifcantly correlated with soil water content, soil temperature, nitriifcation potential, soil NH4＋, and soil NO3-content （R2=0.160-0.764, P＆lt;0.01）. A stepwise linear regression analysis indicated that soil N2O release was mainly controlled by the interaction between soil moisture and soil NO3-content （R2=0.828, P＆lt;0.001）. These results indicate that MS had a coincident effect on soil N2O lfux and signiifcantly reduced soil N2O production compared to that of M over two growing seasons.展开更多
Smallholders in developing countries commonly use intercropping to produce crops with higher yield and value. Many intercropping studies have been conducted under experimental conditions, but few studies have been per...Smallholders in developing countries commonly use intercropping to produce crops with higher yield and value. Many intercropping studies have been conducted under experimental conditions, but few studies have been performed in farmers’ fields. We conducted a 4-year study using data from real farms to examine the relationships between yield and yield components of intercropped maize in the North China Plain. Three field experiments were conducted to compare the suitability of different maize varieties in intercropping. In the farm study, the grain yield of maize intercropped with watermelon was reduced by more than one third as compared to maize in wheat-maize double cropping, mainly due to lower ear density and lower 100-grain weight. Under real farm conditions, the yield of intercropped maize increased with increasing ear density and 100-grain weight, while yield of sole maize increased with increasing grain number per ear and 100-grain weight. In the field experiments, the maize cultivars commonly used in double cropping gave similar yields when grown in the intercropping system and their yields were closely related to ear density and 100-grain weight. Our results demonstrated that ear density, rather cultivar, was a key factor affecting the productivity of intercropped maize. Therefore,maintaining high ear density is a practical way for promoting productivity of maize in farmers’ intercropping practices.展开更多
Intercropping, as an overyielding system, can decrease soil erosion on sloping land through the presence of dense canopy covers. However, the structure mechanism in canopy is still unclear. We conducted a two-year fie...Intercropping, as an overyielding system, can decrease soil erosion on sloping land through the presence of dense canopy covers. However, the structure mechanism in canopy is still unclear. We conducted a two-year field experiment on runoff plots, exploring whether the interaction between vegetation layers reduce soil erosion in maize and potato intercropping systems. The maize, potato, and weed layers in the intercropping system were removed by a single layer, two layers and three layers, respectively(total of 8 treatments including all layers removed as the control). Then, throughfall, runoff and sediment were measured at the plot and row scale on a weekly basis. Based on the difference between each treatment and the control, we calculated and found a relative reduction of runoff and sediment by any combination of the two vegetation layers greater than the sum of each single layer. In 2016 and 2017, the highest relative reduction of runoff reached 15.65% and 46.73%, respectively. Sediment loss decreased by 33.96% and 42.77%, respectively. Moreover, runoffand sediment reduced by the combination of all vegetation layers(no layers removed) was also larger than the sum of that by each single layer. In 2016 and 2017, the highest relative reduction of runoff reached 7.32% and 3.48%, respectively. So, there were synergistic effects among multi-level(two or three layers) vegetation layers in terms of decreasing soil erosion on sloping land. Maize redistributes more throughfall at the maize intra-specific row and the maize and potato inter-specific, which is favorable for the synergistic effect of reducing soil erosion. This finding shows an important mechanism of maize and potato intercropping for soil and water conservation, and may promote the application of diverse cropping systems for sustainable agriculture in mountainous areas.展开更多
Intercropping is an important agronomic practice. However, assessment of intercropping systems using field experiments is often limited by time and cost. In this study, the suitability of using the DeNitrification DeC...Intercropping is an important agronomic practice. However, assessment of intercropping systems using field experiments is often limited by time and cost. In this study, the suitability of using the DeNitrification DeComposition(DNDC) model to simulate intercropping of maize(Zea mays L.) and soybean(Glycine max L.) and its aftereffect on the succeeding wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) crop was tested in the North China Plain. First, the model was calibrated and corroborated to simulate crop yield and nitrogen(N) uptake based on a field experiment with a typical double cropping system. With a wheat crop in winter, the experiment included five treatments in summer: maize monoculture, soybean monoculture, intercropping of maize and soybean with no N topdressing to maize(N0), intercropping of maize and soybean with 75 kg N ha–1topdressing to maize(N75), and intercropping of maize and soybean with 180 kg N ha–1topdressing to maize(N180). All treatments had 45 kg N ha–1as basal fertilizer. After calibration and corroboration, DNDC was used to simulate long-term(1955 to 2012) treatment effects on yield. Results showed that DNDC could stringently capture the yield and N uptake of the intercropping system under all N management scenarios, though it tended to underestimate wheat yield and N uptake under N0 and N75. Long-term simulation results showed that N75 led to the highest maize and soybean yields per unit planting area among all treatments, increasing maize yield by 59% and soybean yield by 24%, resulting in a land utilization rate 42% higher than monoculture. The results suggest a high potential to promote soybean production by intercropping soybean with maize in the North China Plain, which will help to meet the large national demand for soybean.展开更多
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31971853)。
文摘The practice of intercropping leguminous and gramineous crops is used for promoting sustainable agriculture,optimizing resource utilization,enhancing biodiversity,and reducing reliance on petroleum products.However,promoting conventional intercropping strategies in modern agriculture can prove challenging.The innovative technology of soybean maize strip intercropping(SMSI)has been proposed as a solution.This system has produced remarkable results in improving domestic soybean and maize production for both food security and sustainable agriculture.In this article,we provide an overview of SMSI and explain how it differs from traditional intercropping.We also discuss the core principles that foster higher yields and the prospects for its future development.
文摘The study of Nitrogen fixation, uptake, and leaching at different soil depths in the co-cultivation of maize and soybean under phosphorus fertilization is important for sustainable agriculture. This study was conducted in Quzhou, Hebei Province, China, with MC812 maize and Jidou12 soybean varieties. Soil samples were taken from each plot to create a composite sample. The results show that nitrogen concentration varies at different depths and is higher in all treatments between 40 and 100 cm. Incorporating intercropping of maize and soybeans into farming practices can lead to more sustainable and environmentally friendly agriculture in China.
文摘Intercropping, particularly the combination of maize and soybeans, has been widely recognized for its potential to improve nitrogen uptake and promote sustainable agriculture. This study examines the patterns of nitrogen uptake in maize and soybean intercropping systems under different growth stages and phosphorus fertilization levels and investigates the influence of nitrogen uptake on growth parameters such as plant height, leaf area, and biomass accumulation in the maize/soybean intercrop under different phosphorus fertilization regimes. The study also collected chlorophyll samples at different growth stages of maize in monoculture and intercropping with maize or soybean. The results showed that plant height was greater in V10 in both fertilized and unfertilized treatments for intercropped maize and soybean, and chlorophyll concentration was higher in VT intercropped maize. The results also showed a higher accumulation of biomass. Understanding the growth dynamics of these plants in monoculture and intercropping systems and the impact of fertilization practices is crucial for optimizing crop productivity and sustainability in agricultural systems.
基金Supported by Yunnan Key New Cultivar Development Plan(2011BB010)National Peanut Industry Technology System(CARS-14)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim was to explore efficient maize and peanut intercrop-ping mode and select suitable peanut varieties of the mode in Yungui Plateau. [Method] In the test, 6 cropping methods were set by randomized block design. Yields and economic benefits were measured in mature stage with Excelland DPS. [Result] Compared with monoculture, maize and peanut intercropping systems took advantages and LER values were proved higher than 1. In the intercropping system with maize and Yun peanut No.3 at 2∶2, in particular, the value of LER was 1.40 and compound yield reached 9 036 kg/hm2; the net output values of maize kernel and fresh/dry peanut pod increased by 182.63% and 140.59%, compared with maize by monoculture. In addition, the output values of Yun peanut No.3 by monoculture and intercropping system increased by 5 069 and 3 272 yuan/hm2, respectively, than Yanshan conventional peanut varieties. [Conclusion] The efficient intercropping system with maize and peanut mode at 2∶2 mode in Yungui plateau and the Yun peanut No.3 exhibited higher yield and economic benefit advantages, compared with Yanshan conventional planting peanut varieties.
文摘In monoculture, crop failure due to biotic or abiotic causes can result in partial or total output failure. The yield, socio-economic, and environmental effects of intercropping on the farmer and the environment as a whole have not received much attention. There is a dearth of knowledge on the productivity of maize-groundnut intercrops in Ghana regarding the relative timing of planting and spatial arrangement of component crops. Therefore, the objective of the study was to determine the effects of spatial row arrangement and the time of planting intercrops on the productivity of groundnut under maize-groundnut intercropping. The 5 × 3 factorial field experiment was undertaken at the Miminaso community in the Ejura-Sekyedumase municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana during the 2020 cropping seasons. Treatments were evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The levels of row arrangement of intercrops were: one row of maize and one row of groundnut (1M1G), one row of maize and two rows of groundnut (1M2G), two rows of maize and one row of groundnut (2M1G), two rows of maize and two rows of groundnut (2M2G), sole maize and sole groundnut (M/G). The levels of time of introducing groundnut included simultaneous planting of intercrops (0 WAP), planting groundnut one week after planting maize (1 WAP) and planting groundnut two weeks after planting maize (2 WAP). There were significant (P 0.05) treatment interactions for pod and seed yields of groundnut throughout the study. The highest groundnut pod yields of 1815.00 kg/ha and 2359.00 kg/ha were recorded by the 0WAP × 1M2G treatment in the major and minor seasons of 2020, respectively, while the highest groundnut seed yields of 741.00 kg/ha and 726.00 kg/ha were recorded in the major and minor rainy seasons of 2020 by 1WAP × G and 0WAP × G treatments, respectively. The highest seed yields of groundnut (404 kg/ha and 637 kg/ha for major and minor rainy seasons, respectively) were produced by 1WAP × 2M2G.
文摘Soil fertility continues to decline in Ghana due to unsustainable human activities like bush burning, quarrying, improper farming practices, among others. To resolve this challenge, crop farmers resort to continuous use of mineral fertilizers in Ghana, which contaminates the environment and makes crop farming less sustainable and productive. One of the strategies to improve soil fertility and productivity for sustainable crop yields is intercropping. Studies were, therefore, undertaken at Miminaso in the Ejura-Sekyedumase municipality of Ashanti Region of Ghana during the 2020 cropping seasons to determine the effects of spatial row arrangement and time of planting maize and groundnut intercrops on productivity of maize and land equivalent ratio (LER). One row of maize and one row of groundnut (1M1G), one row of maize and two rows of groundnut (1M2G), two rows of maize and one row of groundnut (2M1G), two rows of maize and two rows of groundnut (2M2G), sole maize (M) and sole groundnut (G) were factorially arranged with concurrent planting of intercrops (0 WAP), planting groundnut one week after planting maize (1 WAP) and planting groundnut two weeks after planting maize (2 WAP) in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replicates. There were significant treatment interaction (P < 0.05) effects for shelling percentage for maize in both seasons of the trial. In the major season of 2020, the highest shelling percentage of 79.30% was associated with 0 WAP × M, while in the minor season of 2020, the highest shelling percentage of 75.02% was recorded by 0 WAP × 2M1G. The treatment interaction effects for maize grain yield were significant only in the minor season of 2020 with the highest maize grain yield of 6341 kg/ha being produced by the sole maize treatment, followed by 1 WAP × 2M2G (6152 kg/ha). The highest LER of 3.05 was associated with 1 WAP × 2M2G in the minor season of 2020. Planting groundnuts within the first week of planting maize (1 WAP) increased maize seed yield and LER in two rows of maize and two rows of groundnut (2M2G) row arrangements.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81303170, 2012CB126309 and U1205021)the Chinese Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2013M541849)
文摘Maize/peanut intercropping system shows the significant yield advantage. Soil microbes play major roles in soil nutrient cycling and were affected by intercropping plants. This experiment was carried out to evaluate the changing of rhizosphere microbial community composition, and the relationship between microbial community and soil enzymatic activities, soil nutrients in maize/peanut intercropping system under the following three treatments： maize （Zea mays L.） and peanut （Arachis hypogaea L.） were intercropped without any separation （NS）, by half separation （HS） using a nylon net （50 μm） and complete separation （CS） by using a plastic sheet, respectively. The soil microbial communities were assessed by phospholipid fatty acid （PLFA）. We found that soil available nutrients （available nitrogen （Avail N） and available phosphorus （Avail P）） and enzymatic activities （soil urase and phosphomonoesterase） in both crops were improved in NS and HS treatments as compared to CS. Both bacterial and fungal biomasses in both crops were increased in NS followed by HS. Furthermore, Gram-positive bacteria （G＋） in maize soils were significant higher in NS and HS than CS, while the Gram-negative （G-） was significant higher in peanut soil. The ratio of normal saturated to monounsaturated PLFAs was significantly higher in rhizosphere of peanut under CS treatment than in any other treatments, which is an indicator of nutrient stress. Redundancy analysis and cluster analysis of PLFA showed rhizospheric microbial community of NS and HS of both plants tended to be consistent. The urase and Avail N were higher in NS and HS of both plants and positively correlated with bacteria, fungi （F） and total PLFAs, while negatively correlated with G＋/G- and NS/MS. The findings suggest that belowground interactions in maize/peanut intercropping system play important roles in changing the soil microbial composition and the dominant microbial species, which was closely related with the improving of soil available nutrients （N and P） and enzymatic activities.
基金support of the National Key Research and Development Program of China (2017YFD0301001)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31301274 and 31171497)+1 种基金funds from the Shandong “Double Tops” Program, China (SYL2017XTTD14)the Open Project of State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology in Shandong Agricultural University, China (2018KF10)
文摘Intercropping is used widely by smallholder farmers in developing countries to increase land productivity and profitability. We conducted a maize/peanut intercropping experiment in the 2015 and 2016 growing seasons in Shandong, China. Treatments included sole maize (SM), sole peanut (SP), and an intercrop consisting of four rows of maize and six rows of peanut (IM and IP). The results showed that the intercropping system had yield advantages based on the land equivalent ratio (LER) values of 1.15 and 1.16 in the two years, respectively. Averaged over the two years, the yield of maize in the intercropping was increased by 61.05% compared to that in SM, while the pod yield of peanut was decreased by 31.80% compared to SP. Maize was the superior competitor when intercropped with peanut, and its productivity dominated the yield of the intercropping system in our study. The increased yield was due to a higher kernel number per ear (KNE). Intercropping increased the light transmission ratio (LTR) of the ear layer in the maize canopy, the active photosynthetic duration (APD), and the harvest index (HI) compared to SM. In addition, intercropping promoted the ratio of dry matter accumulation after silking and the distribution of 13C-photosynthates to grain compared to SM. In conclusion, maize/peanut intercropping demonstrated the potential to improve the light condition of maize, achieving enhanced photosynthetic characteristics that improved female spike differentiation, reduced barrenness, and increased KNE. Moreover, dry matter accumulation and 13C-photosynthates distribution to grain of intercropped maize were improved, and a higher grain yield was ultimately obtained.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFD0200202)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(U1404315)+1 种基金the China Scholarship Council(201608410278)the Natural Science Foundation of Henan Province(182300410014)。
文摘Intercropping of maize(Zea mays L.) and peanut(Arachis hypogaea L.) often results in greater yields than the respective sole crops. However, there is limited knowledge of aboveground and belowground interspecific interactions between maize and peanut in field. A two-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of interspecific interactions on plant growth and grain yield for a peanut/maize intercropping system under different nitrogen(N) and phosphorus(P) levels. The method of root separation was employed to differentiate belowground from aboveground interspecific interactions. We observed that the global interspecific interaction effect on the shoot biomass of the intercropping system decreased with the coexistence period, and belowground interaction contributed more than aboveground interaction to advantages of the intercropping in terms of shoot biomass and grain yield. There was a positive effect from aboveground and belowground interspecific interactions on crop plant growth in the intercropping system, except that aboveground interaction had a negative effect on peanut during the late coexistence period. The advantage of intercropping on grain came mainly from increased maize yield(means 95%) due to aboveground interspecific competition for light and belowground interaction(61%–72% vs. 28%–39% in fertilizer treatments). There was a negative effect on grain yield from aboveground interaction for peanut, but belowground interspecific interaction positively affected peanut grain yield.The supply of N, P, or N + P increased grain yield of intercropped maize and the contribution from aboveground interspecific interaction. Our study suggests that the advantages of peanut/maize intercropping for yield mainly comes from aboveground interspecific competition for maize and belowground interspecific facilitation for peanut, and their respective yield can be enhanced by N and P. These findings are important for managing the intercropping system and optimizing the benefits from using this system.
文摘Adjustment of planting geometry along with suitable maize cultivar can be a viable tool for maximizing land usage and net return. A two-year study was carried out at Serw Agricultural Experiments and Research Station, A.R.C., Domiate governorate, Egypt, during 2015 and 2016 seasons to evaluate intercropping cowpea with suitable maize cultivar and its planting geometry for maximizing land usage and net return. The treatments were the combinations between three maize cultivars (SC 30K08, TWC 310 and TWC 352) and three maize plant distributions (one plant/hill distanced at 25, 50 and 75 cm between hills, respectively). Ridge width with maize plant distribution formed maize planting geometry (25 cm × 140 cm, 50 cm × 140 cm and 75 cm × 140 cm). These treatments were compared in a split plot distribution in randomized complete block design with three replications. Maize cultivar SC 30K08 had the highest grain yield and its attributes compared with the other cultivars in both seasons. Also, maize planting geometry 25 cm × 140 cm resulted in the highest grain yield and its attributes compared with the other planting geometries in both seasons. Ear length, ear weight, 100-grain weight and grain yield/fad were affected significantly by maize cultivars × maize planting geometry. Intercropping cowpea with maize cultivar TWC 352 had the highest seed yield and its attributes compared with those intercropped with the other cultivars in both seasons. Also, maize planting geometry 75 cm × 140 cm resulted in the highest seed yield and its attributes through growing two cowpea rows between maize hills compared with the other maize planting geometries in both seasons. Number of pods/plant and seed yield/fad were affected significantly by maize cultivars × maize planting geometry. LER and LEC values of the intercrops were much greater than 1.00 and 0.25, respectively, for all the combinations indicating less land requirements of intercropping system than solid culture of both crops. Growing one row of maize cultivar TWC352 in both sides of bed 140 cm width with cowpea two rows in middle of the bed increased land productivity and net return compared with solid culture of maize.
文摘Council for Scientific and Industrial Research<span style="font-family:;" "="">-</span><span style="font-family:;" "="">Savanna Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) in collaboration with University of California, Riverside phenotyped 300 Recombinant Inbred Lines (RILs) of Multi</span><span style="font-family:;" "="">-</span><span style="font-family:;" "="">parent Advanced Generation Inter-Cross (MAGIC) cowpea population from eight elite cowpea cultivars in Northern Ghana. Among the traits targeted in the phenotyping is extra early maturity suitable for Sudan Savanna agro ecological zone of Ghana. Ten selected extra early genotypes from the MAGIC population were intercropped with maize to identify genotype(s) that can maintain agronomic performances and grain yield. A field experiment was carried out at the Manga Station of SARI, Ghana during the 2018 and 2019 growing season to evaluate the ten extra-early cowpea genotypes in maize/cowpea intercrop. The experimental design used was split plot with three replications. The cropping patterns (row, strip and sole cropping) were assigned to the main plot. Ten cowpea genotypes (MAGIC 008, MAGIC 043, MAGIC 048, MAGIC 055, MAGIC 076, MAGIC 118, MAGIC 154, MAGIC 176, CB27, and SARC 1-57-2) were assigned to sub-plots. The results indicated that the number of seed per pod of the cowpea was not affected by cowpea genotype and intercrop pattern interaction;however, the interaction influenced grain yield, pod <span>per plant, plant height, 50% flowering and 100 seed weight of cowpea. MAGIC</span> genotypes, M008, M048, M055, M154, recorded higher grain yield under both strip intercropping and sole cropping. SARC1-57-2 also recorded the highest grain yield under row intercropping. M048, M055, M076, M176 and SARI’s collection SARC1-57-2 were the top five genotypes in fodder production. Intercropping advantage was compared with sole cropping. Land equivalent ratio greater than 1 was observed for all the genotypes with MAGIC 048 recording the highest LER at strip intercrop. Benefit Cost Ratio also showed that there is advantage of intercropping than sole cropping.</span>
文摘Maize forage is poor in protein content which leads to low quality and nutritive value.Regarding the high feed costs of protein supplementations,legumes can be used in livestock nutrition for their high protein content,and thus,provide cost savings.In this study,maize(Zea mays L.)and cowpea(Vigna unguiculata L.)were intercropped in different sowing densities and fertilization with clinoptilolite and their monocropping equivalents were tested to determine the best intercropping system on forage yield and quality.Maize was cultivated alone(75,000 plants·ha^-1)and intercropped with cowpea as follows:75,000 plants·ha-1 of maize and 37,500 plants·ha^-1 of cowpea(MC1),75,000 plants·ha^-1 of maize and 50,000 plants·ha-1 of cowpea(MC2)and 75,000 plants·ha^-1 of maize and 75,000 plants·ha^-1 of cowpea(MC3),in rows alternating with maize.The highest dry matter yield was produced by MC3(23.8 t·ha^-1),and the lowest by SM(20.7 t·ha^-1)in fertilization with clinoptilolite.All intercropped systems had higher crude protein contents,MC1(101 g·kg^-1 DM),MC2(108 g·kg^-1 DM)and MC3(117 g·kg^-1 DM),than the monocrop maize(84 g·kg^-1 DM)in fertilization with clinoptilolite.Intercropping of maize with cowpea and fertilization with clinoptilolite reduced neutral detergent fiber,resulting in increased forage digestibility.Therefore,maize intercropping with cowpea and fertilization with clinoptilolite could substantially increase forage quantity and quality,and decrease requirements for protein supplements as compared with maize monocrop.
文摘In a long term study photosynthetically active radiation was monitored for three rainy seasons to measure the effects of hedgerow intercropping in rotation with maize and cowpea in a senna/siamea and panicum/grass strip on biomass yield and light use efficiency. Maize/cowpea intercropped with senna siamea or grass stripped were compared with sole maize and cowpea. A ceptometer was applied to measure PAR interception by sole maize or cowpea or crop/tree and grass/crop interfaces and separation of PAR used by each plant or tree/grass component. Hedgerow intercropping increased PAR interception and biomass formation. C4 plants had higher LUE than C3 plants while combining C4 and C3 in the agroforestry system lowered LUE. The tree/crop interfaces increased PAR interception than at 1 m and 2 m away from the hedgerow. The row of maize or cowpea at lm intercepted more PAR than the row at 2 m from hedgerow while the cowpea row next to the hedgerow was depressed compared to the rows in the middle rows which had higher yields. The maize or cowpea row next to the grass strip was more stressed than the rows in the middle of the alley.
基金Supported by the National Transformation Project for Agriculture Science and Technology Achievements(2011GB2C300011)the National Science and Technology Funds for Agriculture during the Twelfth Five-year Plan(2011BAD35B06-4)~~
文摘[Objective] The aim was to discuss the group dry matter accumulation and economic benefits under the patterns of intercropping maize （Zea mays L.） with soy-bean [Glycine max （L.） Merril ]. [Methods] Zhengdan-958 and Luhuang-1 were used as the testing breeds to study the effects of intercropping patterns on dry matter accumulation and transportation of maize and soybean in Huang-huai-hai. [Results] For maize, the dry matter accumulation amounts per hectare of intercropping was significant higher than that of the monoculture patterns, especial y after silking, when it reached extremely level; while for soybean, the dry matter accumulation amounts before flowering and after flowering of monocropping were al significantly higher than that of the intercropping patterns. For both maize and soybean, the transfer amounts of monocropping were al significantly or extremely significantly higher than that of intercropping; and the transfer ratio of maize intercropping was 0.59% higher than that of maize monocropping, while for soybean, it was 4.74% higher. Fitted dry matter accumulation with Logistic equation, it showed that the difference in maximum dry matter accumulation rate between maize monocropping and intercropping reached significant level, while for soybean, the maximum dry matter accumulation rate and its appearance time as wel as duration time between intercropping and monocropping were al reached significant level. The total land equivalent ratio of intercropping was 1.30. From yield and output value, the total yield of intercropping were 10.97 t/hm2, 0.64% and 326.85% higher than monocropping of maize and soy-bean, respectively. The total output value of intercropping was 25 796.23 yuan/hm2, respectively 12.67% and 104.68% higher than of maize and soybean monocropping. [Conclusion] The study lays a basis for improving grain yield and economic benefits.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31401308, 31371555 and 31671445)
文摘Intercropping is one of the most vital practice to improve land utilization rate in China that has limited arable land resource. However, the traditional intercropping systems have many disadvantages including illogical field lay-out of crops, low economic value, and labor deficiency, which cannot balance the crop production and agricultural sustainability. In view of this, we developed a novel soybean strip intercropping model using maize as the partner, the regular maize-soybean strip intercropping mainly popularized in northern China and maize-soybean relay-strip intercropping principally extended in southwestern China. Compared to the traditional maize-soybean intercropping systems, the main innovation of field lay-out style in our present intercropping systems is that the distance of two adjacent maize rows are shrunk as a narrow strip, and a strip called wide strip between two adjacent narrow strips is expanded reserving for the growth of two or three rows of soybean plants. The distance between outer rows of maize and soybean strips are expanded enough for light use efficiency improvement and tractors working in the soybean strips. Importantly, optimal cultivar screening and increase of plant density achieved a high yield of both the two crops in the intercropping systems and increased land equivalent ratio as high as 2.2. Annually alternative rotation of the adjacent maize-and soybean-strips increased the grain yield of next seasonal maize, improved the absorption of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potasium of maize, while prevented the continuous cropping obstacles. Extra soybean production was obtained without affecting maize yield in our strip intercropping systems, which balanced the high crop production and agricultural sustainability.
基金the Key Technologies R&D Program of China during the 11th Five-Year Plan period (2007BAD89B01)the Key Technologies R&D Program of China during the 12th Five-Year Plan period(2011BAD16B15)the Project of Collaboration between Henan Province and Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences Program (102106000034)
文摘A 2-yr field experiment was conducted on a calcareous alluvial soil with four summer maize intercropping systems at Shangzhuang Experiment Station （116.3°E, 39.9°N） in the North China Plain. The objective was to determine nitrate leaching from intercropping systems involving maize （Zea mays L.）： sole maize （CK）, maize ＋ soybean （CST）, maize ＋ groundnut （CGT）, maize ＋ ryegrass （CHM）, and maize ＋ alfalfa （CMX）. Intercropping greatly reduced nitrate accumulation in the 100-200 cm soil layers compared with maize monoculture. Nitrate accumulation under intercropping systems decreased significantly at the 140-200 cm soil depth; the accumulation varied in the order CK〉CST〉CMX〉CHM〉CGT. However, compared to the CK treatment, nitrate leaching losses during the maize growing period were reduced by 20.9- 174.8 （CGT）, 35.2-130.8 （CHM）, 60.4-122.0 （CMX）, and 30.6-82.4 kg ha-1 （CST）. The results also suggested that intereropping is an effective way to reduce nitrogen leaching in fields with N fertilizer over-dose.
基金supported by the National Key Technologies R&D Program of China (2011BAD16B15 and 2012BAD14B03)
文摘Many studies have focused on various agricultural management measures to reduce agricultural nitrous oxide （N2O） emission. However, few studies have investigated soil N2O emissions in intercropping systems in the North China Plain. Thus, we conducted a ifeld experiment to compare N2O emissions under monoculture and maize-legume intercropping systems. In 2010, ifve treatments, including monocultured maize （M）, maize-peanut （MP）, maize-alfalfa （MA）, maize-soybean （MS）, and maize-sweet clover （MSC） intercropping were designed to investigate this issue using the static chamber technique. In 2011, M, MP, and MS remained, and monocultured peanuts （P） and soybean （S） were added to the trial. The results showed that total production of N2O from different treatments ranged from （0.87＆#177;0.12） to （1.17＆#177;0.11） kg ha-1 in 2010, while those ranged from （3.35＆#177;0.30） to （9.10＆#177;2.09） kg ha-1 in 2011. MA and MSC had no signiifcant effect on soil N2O production compared to that of M （P＆lt;0.05）. Cumulative N2O emissions from MP in 2010 were signiifcantly lower than those from M, but the result was the opposite in 2011 （P＆lt;0.05）. MS signiifcantly reduced soil N2O emissions by 25.55 and 48.84%in 2010 and 2011, respectively （P＆lt;0.05）. Soil N2O emissions were signiifcantly correlated with soil water content, soil temperature, nitriifcation potential, soil NH4＋, and soil NO3-content （R2=0.160-0.764, P＆lt;0.01）. A stepwise linear regression analysis indicated that soil N2O release was mainly controlled by the interaction between soil moisture and soil NO3-content （R2=0.828, P＆lt;0.001）. These results indicate that MS had a coincident effect on soil N2O lfux and signiifcantly reduced soil N2O production compared to that of M over two growing seasons.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2017YFD0200107, 2016YFE0101100 and 2017YFD0200207)the National Basic Research Prgram of China (973 Program) (2015CB150400)
文摘Smallholders in developing countries commonly use intercropping to produce crops with higher yield and value. Many intercropping studies have been conducted under experimental conditions, but few studies have been performed in farmers’ fields. We conducted a 4-year study using data from real farms to examine the relationships between yield and yield components of intercropped maize in the North China Plain. Three field experiments were conducted to compare the suitability of different maize varieties in intercropping. In the farm study, the grain yield of maize intercropped with watermelon was reduced by more than one third as compared to maize in wheat-maize double cropping, mainly due to lower ear density and lower 100-grain weight. Under real farm conditions, the yield of intercropped maize increased with increasing ear density and 100-grain weight, while yield of sole maize increased with increasing grain number per ear and 100-grain weight. In the field experiments, the maize cultivars commonly used in double cropping gave similar yields when grown in the intercropping system and their yields were closely related to ear density and 100-grain weight. Our results demonstrated that ear density, rather cultivar, was a key factor affecting the productivity of intercropped maize. Therefore,maintaining high ear density is a practical way for promoting productivity of maize in farmers’ intercropping practices.
基金financially supported by the Special Fund for Agro-scientific Research in the Public Interest of China(Grant No.201503119)the National Key Technologies R&D Program of China(Grant No.2015BAD06B04)the Scholarship Award for Excellent Doctoral Student granted by Yunnan Province
文摘Intercropping, as an overyielding system, can decrease soil erosion on sloping land through the presence of dense canopy covers. However, the structure mechanism in canopy is still unclear. We conducted a two-year field experiment on runoff plots, exploring whether the interaction between vegetation layers reduce soil erosion in maize and potato intercropping systems. The maize, potato, and weed layers in the intercropping system were removed by a single layer, two layers and three layers, respectively(total of 8 treatments including all layers removed as the control). Then, throughfall, runoff and sediment were measured at the plot and row scale on a weekly basis. Based on the difference between each treatment and the control, we calculated and found a relative reduction of runoff and sediment by any combination of the two vegetation layers greater than the sum of each single layer. In 2016 and 2017, the highest relative reduction of runoff reached 15.65% and 46.73%, respectively. Sediment loss decreased by 33.96% and 42.77%, respectively. Moreover, runoffand sediment reduced by the combination of all vegetation layers(no layers removed) was also larger than the sum of that by each single layer. In 2016 and 2017, the highest relative reduction of runoff reached 7.32% and 3.48%, respectively. So, there were synergistic effects among multi-level(two or three layers) vegetation layers in terms of decreasing soil erosion on sloping land. Maize redistributes more throughfall at the maize intra-specific row and the maize and potato inter-specific, which is favorable for the synergistic effect of reducing soil erosion. This finding shows an important mechanism of maize and potato intercropping for soil and water conservation, and may promote the application of diverse cropping systems for sustainable agriculture in mountainous areas.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31701995 and 31572208)the National Key Research & Development Program of China (2016YFD0800101)+1 种基金the Newton Fund of UK-China (BB/N013484/1)supported by China Scholarship Council (2015-7169)
文摘Intercropping is an important agronomic practice. However, assessment of intercropping systems using field experiments is often limited by time and cost. In this study, the suitability of using the DeNitrification DeComposition(DNDC) model to simulate intercropping of maize(Zea mays L.) and soybean(Glycine max L.) and its aftereffect on the succeeding wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) crop was tested in the North China Plain. First, the model was calibrated and corroborated to simulate crop yield and nitrogen(N) uptake based on a field experiment with a typical double cropping system. With a wheat crop in winter, the experiment included five treatments in summer: maize monoculture, soybean monoculture, intercropping of maize and soybean with no N topdressing to maize(N0), intercropping of maize and soybean with 75 kg N ha–1topdressing to maize(N75), and intercropping of maize and soybean with 180 kg N ha–1topdressing to maize(N180). All treatments had 45 kg N ha–1as basal fertilizer. After calibration and corroboration, DNDC was used to simulate long-term(1955 to 2012) treatment effects on yield. Results showed that DNDC could stringently capture the yield and N uptake of the intercropping system under all N management scenarios, though it tended to underestimate wheat yield and N uptake under N0 and N75. Long-term simulation results showed that N75 led to the highest maize and soybean yields per unit planting area among all treatments, increasing maize yield by 59% and soybean yield by 24%, resulting in a land utilization rate 42% higher than monoculture. The results suggest a high potential to promote soybean production by intercropping soybean with maize in the North China Plain, which will help to meet the large national demand for soybean.
