Effect of Maize (Zeal mays) and Soybean (Glycine max) Intercropping on Yield and Root Development in Xinjiang, China

Intercropping is a breakthrough in land-use optimization. This work aimed to study the effects of intercropping patterns on growth, yield, root morphological characteristics, and interspecific competition maize soybean, as well provide reference for development soybean Northwest China. Three different cropping were designed: monocropping maize, maize-soybean intercropping. Agronomic traits, indicators such land equivalent ratio (LER), aggressivity (A), (CR), actual yield loss (AYL), characteristics assessed. The results showed that, compared with monocropping, plant height increased by 6.07–8.40%, 35.27–38.94%; length density (RLD) was higher than that RLD lower 0–40 cm soil layer 1.79–7.44% while reduced 3.06–9.46%; greater 0 1, which dominant species; maize/soybean 1.18–1.26, improved utilization rate. Therefore, effect increasing can be achieved changing planting method, beneficial ecological strategy sustainable northwest region.