Coordination of Density and Nitrogen Fertilization Improves Stalk Lodging Resistance of Strip-Intercropped Maize with Soybeans by Affecting Stalk Quality Traits

To ensure yield in strip-intercropped maize with soybeans (SM), it is crucial to plant at a density comparable that of monoculture (MM). This requires reducing spacing by more than half, increasing intraspecific competition, and altering stalk lodging resistance traits compared MM. Nitrogen fertilization can effectively mediate resistance. However, still unclear how nitrogen rates influence SM’s under high-density conditions compares The experiment involved four N fertilizer treatments two planting densities: medium (60,000 plants/ha) high (75,000 plants/ha). Additionally, different patterns strip-cropped (S) (M) were implemented. application N0 (0 kg/ha), N225 (225 N300 (300 N375 (375 kg/ha). was represented the breaking strength third basal internode. study revealed that, same density, internode exhibited consistent results terms its diameter, crushing strength, total number area vascular bundles, content. Notably, all these significant positive relationship strength. highest values for parameters observed medium-density maize, respectively. In contrast, showed peak performance rates. At both densities, 8.9% 10.9% lower treatment. resulted between maximum treatment density. Hence, planted rate had but be improved match rate.