Enhancing production efficiency through optimizing plant density in maize–soybean strip intercropping

• DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1473786
• Publication Date: 2024-10-11T04:43:08Z
• Authors: Guanghao Li; Yuwen Liang; Qiannan Liu; Jinghan Zeng; Qingming Ren; Jian Guo; Fei Xiong; Dalei Lu
• Keywords: Intercropping; Arable land; Shading

Introduction Due to limited arable land resources, intercropping has emerged as an efficient and sustainable production method for increasing total grain yield per unit area. Maize–soybean strip (MSSI) technology is being widely promoted applied across China. However, the combination of optimal density achieving higher efficiency both soybean maize remains unclear. The objective this study was evaluate differences in yield, economic benefits, land, nitrogen (N) MSSI systems under different densities. Methods Five maize/soybean combinations (67,500/97,500 plants ha −1 , D1; 67,500/120,000 D2; 67,500/142,500 D3; 60,000/142,500 D4; 52,500/142,500 D5) were set same N input field experiment. Results discussion results demonstrated that optimizing system could enhance efficiency. Increasing significantly increased (D3 > D2 D1 D4 D5). D3 treatment, exhibiting best comprehensive performance, also increases leaf area index, dry matter accumulation, absorption utilization. Path analysis indicated had most substantial impact on while number greatest influence with contribution rates 49.7% 61.0%, respectively. These provide valuable insights into summer planting MSSI, facilitating its wider adoption.