The effect of maize–alfalfa intercropping on the physiological characteristics, nitrogen uptake and yield of maize

• DOI: 10.1111/plb.13157
• Publication Date: 2020-07-01T18:20:40Z
• Authors: J. Nasar; Z. Shao; A. Arshad; F. G. Jones; S. Liu; C. Li; M. Z. Khan; T. Khan; J. S. K. Banda; X. Zhou; Q. Gao
• Keywords: Intercropping; Monocropping; Cropping system

Abstract In Northeastern China, the intensive cropping system and increased use of chemical fertilizer has caused severe problems in terms sustainable agricultural development. Therefore, to improve sustainability crop productivity farming needs be modified region. A pot experiment was conducted evaluate effect maize–alfalfa intercropping on physiological characteristics, nitrogen (N) uptake yield maize crops northeast China 2017–2018. The study findings showed that under N fertilization progressively improved physio‐agronomic indices as compared mono‐cropping. grain yield, 100 seed weight biomass dry matter when it practiced with fertilizer. Furthermore, chlorophyll content at bell‐mouthed, silking, filing mature stages by 19%, 44%, 12%, 9% 2017 23%, 43%, 15%, 11% 2018, respectively, monocropping system. Unlike monocropping, photosynthesis rate (14% 15%), stomatal conductance (74% 98%) transpiration 75%) respectively. However, reduced intercellular CO 2 ( C i ). Moreover, leaves well total 49%, 31% 93% 53%, 34% 132%, 2018 monocropping. conclusion, our results suggest optimal provides a practical method for improving growth, accumulation crop.