The effect of maize–alfalfa intercropping on the physiological characteristics, nitrogen uptake and yield of maize. (24th September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nasar, J.; Shao, Z.; Arshad, A.; Jones, F. G.; Liu, S.; Li, C.; Khan, M. Z.; Khan, T.; Banda, J. S. K.; Zhou, X.; Gao, Q.
• Editors: Leegood, R.
• Is Part Of: Plant biology. Volume 22:Number 6(2020)
• Page Start: 1140
• Page End: 1149
• Publication Date: 2020-09-24
• Subjects: chlorophyll content -- intracellular CO2 -- photosynthetic activity -- stomatal conductance -- transpiration rate; Botany -- Periodicals; Plants -- genetics -- Periodicals; Plants -- growth & development -- Periodicals; Plant Proteins -- Periodicals; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant -- Periodicals; Botanique -- Périodiques; 580
• DOI: 10.1111/plb.13157
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1435-8603

Abstract

Abstract: In Northeastern China, the intensive cropping system and increased use of chemical fertilizer has caused severe problems in terms of sustainable agricultural development. Therefore, to improve agricultural sustainability and crop productivity the farming system needs to be modified in the region. A pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of maize–alfalfa intercropping on the physiological characteristics, nitrogen (N) uptake and yield of the maize crops in northeast China in 2017–2018. The study findings showed that intercropping under N fertilization progressively improved the physio‐agronomic indices of the maize crop as compared to mono‐cropping. The grain yield, 100 seed weight and biomass dry matter of maize crop improved in intercropping when it was practiced with N fertilizer. Furthermore, intercropping with N fertilization increased the chlorophyll content of the maize crop at bell‐mouthed, silking, filing and mature stages by 19%, 44%, 12%, and 9% in 2017 and by 23%, 43%, 15%, and 11% in 2018, respectively, as compared with the monocropping system. Unlike monocropping, intercropping with N fertilization increased the photosynthesis rate (14% and 15%), stomatal conductance (74% and 98%) and transpiration rate (74% and 75%) in 2017 and 2018, respectively. However, intercropping reduced intercellular CO2 ( Ci ). Moreover, intercropping with N fertilization increased the maize N content of grain and leaves as well as total N uptake by 49%, 31% and 93% in 2017 and 53%, 34% and 132%, respectively, in 2018 as compared to monocropping. In conclusion, our results suggest that maize–alfalfa intercropping with optimal N fertilization provides a practical method for improving growth, yield and N accumulation in the maize crop. Abstract : Maize‐alfalfa intercropping with reasonable nitrogen fertilizer application is an effective agronomic practice for improving the growth, yield and nitrogen uptake of maize crop.